Forum Fundamentals

Every new YPO member wishing to join a forum is expected to participate in a one day Forum Fundamentals training led by a Certified Facilitator. I relate to this day as an initiation of sorts for the new member. It serves as a formal immersion into the twin pillars of forum structure and forum spirit.

  • New members gain knowledge about the basics of the forum system and its rationale for effective functioning.
  • Throughout the day you come to realize the ways in which the 8 Forum Success Principles are interwoven into the operations of a high performing team of learning leaders.
  • You learn the “road rule skills” of how to optimally participate and contribute in a high trust environment.
  • You will appreciate why adherence to these codes and success principles are necessary in crafting a dynamic incubator for growth.

At the same time, Forum Fundamentals training engages the heart of forum. The training invites participants into experiential learning exercises that showcase what a well-run forum look and feels like.

  • You discover how to take well-calibrated and healthy risks; all in the service of developing trust and openness while crafting a safe container that is transformative.
  • Experience how exercising vulnerable power leads to healthy emotional dynamics.
  • Discover the reasons why clean interpersonal processes create deep and fulfilling relationships in forum and in your life.

So, on the one hand, a thorough and thoughtful explanation of the “letter of the law” is essential.

  • This “science of forum” includes strategic thinking and planning, as well as the block and tackle dimensions of the setting.

And, on the other hand, the “spirit of the law” involves an experiential exploration into the dynamics of interpersonal group process.

  • Opportunities to practice the forum protocol principles of empathy, listening, inquiring and sharing, delivers first-hand knowledge of the powerful forum experience that new members have been hearing about.

At the same time, Forum Fundamentals training engages the heart of forum. The training invites participants into experiential learning exercises that showcase what a well-run forum look and feels like.

  • You discover how to take well-calibrated and healthy risks; all in the service of developing trust and openness while crafting a safe container that is transformative.
  • Experience how exercising vulnerable power leads to healthy emotional dynamics.
  • Discover the reasons why clean interpersonal processes create deep and fulfilling relationships in forum and in your life.

So, on the one hand, a thorough and thoughtful explanation of the “letter of the law” is essential.

  • This “science of forum” includes strategic thinking and planning, as well as the block and tackle dimensions of the setting.

And, on the other hand, the “spirit of the law” involves an experiential exploration into the dynamics of interpersonal group process.

  • Opportunities to practice the forum protocol principles of empathy, listening, inquiring and sharing, delivers first-hand knowledge of the powerful forum experience that new members have been hearing about.

I have worked with Bert Parlee for the last year in his role of Senior Advisor at the Stagen Group in Dallas, Texas. I have found Bert’s insights, experience and intellect to be of high value to me in my role with the Young Presidents’ Organization. Bert has been instrumental in digging into challenges that have come up, and working on strategies to best address them. His advice and counsel has been extremely helpful and on the mark.

The key to Bert’s success is his ability to listen clearly, express himself with elegance and clarity, and to provide insights based on his experience and training. He offers both business and people based perspectives that fit my style very well. He is solutions oriented and is committed to making people successful.

As a Leadership Trainer, Bert is engaging, informative, a master interpersonal group process facilitator, and brings a wealth of learning models and experiential exercises to deepen and extend the traditional YPO curriculum.

I would highly recommend Bert to anyone who is looking for an integral approach to development, either individually or as a group.

David W. Cook YPO-WPO

I have worked with Bert Parlee for the last 7 months in his role at the Stagen Group in Dallas, Texas. I have found Bert’s insights, experience and intellect to be of high value to me in my role with the Young Presidents’ Organization. Bert has been instrumental in digging into challenges that have come up, and working on a strategy to best address them. His advice and counsel has been extremely helpful and on the mark.

The key to Bert’s success in my humble opinion is his ability to listen, and to draw conclusions based on his experience and training. He offers both business based solutions, as well as a personal, people based perspective that fits my style very well. He is solutions oriented and is committed to making people successful.

I would highly recommend Bert to someone who is looking for a holistic approach to finding solutions.

David Cook, Executive Director, YPO

I wanted to thank you for the week long training and coaching you conducted for the various groups in our chapter. You were definitely the man for the job! I was very worried that one person wouldn’t be able to address all the different needs that our chapter had, but your background and education proved to be EXACTLY what we needed. Your name continues to be brought up at our chapter events and we look forward to working together in the future. Thanks again for the successful training and moderating… let’s stay in touch.

Bryan Dyson, YPO Forum Officer
, OKC Chapter

I have benefitted tremendously from Bert over the years. In my role as Dallas YPO Chapter Chair and Board member, I received great feedback from our members and spouses regarding Bert’s forum retreat facilitations. Bert provides both a secure and demanding container to explore personal life and business challenges. Having been in a partnership relationship from the outset with a senior member, Bert helped me expand my perspective so that I was better able to navigate my way through crucial conversations with this partner (with who I had father figure dynamics in play), enabling me to buy him out. The business has been able build into a whole next level of valuation, and is now becoming a national presence.

Brian Schultz, CEO Studio Movie Grill YPO Dallas Chapter Chair

In my leadership role with YPO (Young Presidents Organization), I have worked with Bert Parlee for the last 3 years in his role Senior Advisor role at the Stagen Group in Dallas. I have found Bert’s insights, experience and approaches to be of the highest value. Bert has been instrumental in digging into what had been intractable problems. He has been able to creatively craft effective strategies and practices to transform these dilemmas into opportunities. His advice and counsel has been nothing less than liberating for me and my team.

David W. Cook, Executive Director, YPO-WPO International Events Team