Article from The Ayers Report

“Peak Performance Teams have proved to be such a successful addition to outplacement programs for our top-level candidates, we are expanding the concept to encompass all levels from manager through CEO,” says Terry Ebert, Managing Director of Career Transition Services at Ayers.

Teams are designed to provide their members, comparable-level executives from different industries, with job search support—project management support, advice, encouragement, and an extended network for leads, information, contacts—in the context of a structured environment. The self-directed groups hold two-hour weekly or biweekly meetings (depending on group level) in Ayers’ offices. Participants must meet certain qualifications and must commit to being active participants in the eight-week program, which entails attending meetings regularly, setting goals and targets, and reporting on progress. Each team is facilitated by an Ayers consultant, who, among other functions, can arrange for internal or external speakers at the group’s request.

“The group becomes family for eight weeks,” says Dr. Peter Olsinski, Senior Vice President, who facilitates a team in the New York office. “There’s a strong commitment to working with each other.”

“Job search is a subjective process,” adds Associate Donna Schwarz, who facilitates another team. “The teams give candidates access to a variety of perspectives and creative ideas, as well as support. It’s a place to practice presentations, hone networking skills, and get constructive feedback. It can be hard to make networking or prospecting calls and go to meetings. Knowing you are accountable to a group of peers who want you to succeed can provide a needed push.”