There are many myths about what goes on in peer groups. Some may see them as secret societies, others as casual coffee clubs. Neither is true. In reality, it’s much more straightforward. Read on if you want to know what we do in our peer groups at EGN, and what value they bring to our members.
The Structure of Peer Groups
With a maximum of 25 members per group, we ensure a confidential setting where everyone can get to know each other while still having a broad range of peers to spar with. We also strive to create the best possible composition of profiles in each group. We bring together like-minded professionals who share the same job titles, areas of responsibility, and ambitions. In this way, we create a safe space where every voice matters, and where members can see themselves reflected in one another. At the same time, we recognize how important diversity is to maximize the collective knowledge. That’s why our peer groups are carefully assembled so that people with different perspectives can inspire each other with fresh and creative ideas.
How the Peer Groups Work
Our peer groups typically meet four to six times a year. These are half-day sessions, with one of them possibly being a full-day meeting with an overnight stay. We aim to host meetings in turn at the members’ companies. This way, participants get a tour and an inside look at another business they might learn from. It also gives the host the opportunity to present their company and the challenges currently on their agenda — challenges that the group can then workshop solutions for together.
All peer groups are led by a facilitator who guides the meetings. Our peer group leaders all have professional experience within the field they facilitate, giving them strong insight into the industries represented. Together with the members, they decide which relevant themes to address at the meetings.
Everything That Happens Between Meetings
We want to create continuous learning and development for our members. That means you should, of course, be able to use your network at any time — not just during meetings. Members in each group are encouraged to reach out to one another when they encounter day-to-day challenges. In addition, they have access to our Members’ Universe. Here, all 15,000 EGN members worldwide are connected in a social network designed as a forum for development. No matter what support you need, you can share it here and hopefully receive several perspectives and solutions. We also regularly host webinars featuring expertise in leadership and business.
What Our Members Say About Us
We have many different peer groups, each focusing on what matters most to their members. Still, some core values are always present: confidentiality, development, inspiration, and knowledge sharing. Here’s what some of our members say:
Mette Honoré, Senior Consultant, Vækstfonden
“I prioritize being in a peer group because that’s where I get by far the greatest value for money. It’s beyond discussion for me — that’s where things move forward. In fact, I feel I save consultancy costs, because the sum of knowledge and the genuine desire to contribute is so great that you can hardly buy it for money. I get both fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience from all sorts of industries and viewpoints. I don’t think I could get that anywhere else.”
Martin Fyn Aamand, Communications and PR Manager, JYSK“I get both social sparring out of it — social skills, social relations — but the professional level is truly top-notch at EGN. It has really lived up to expectations I didn’t even know I had beforehand.”
Karina Overbeck Cook, Senior Communications Consultant, Danske Bank
“The value for me in being part of a peer group is this confidential space where you can bring up issues and get different perspectives. Because people don’t have a stake in my company or in me personally, it creates a very constructive dialogue — and you can get answers to questions you otherwise might never have asked.”
We offer peer groups within a wide range of areas — including communication, HR, and sales. We also have leadership groups for experienced leaders, new leaders, and female leaders.
