Thought about a Forum?

Joining a Legatus Forum has been among my best decisions in recent years for deepening my faith and friendships. It’s put me in the middle of a small group of men I admire and enjoy, rock-solid Catholic business leaders who call me to higher ground.

I’ve known about the forum concept in business for years. So, when I heard that Legatus had forums, I became interested. But when I heard Tom Monaghan talk about them, and how they could strengthen Legatus at all levels, then I became active; we started one in our chapter right away.

We began with a small group who wanted to learn more. We came from different businesses, had different personalities, and were from different generations. But we all wanted to go deeper. We’re coming up on four years now, and are more on fire today than when we started! Why? We learn from each other, encourage each other, and straight-out enjoy each other.

And we’ve grown as leaders. Each of us at some point has brought issues to the table we needed to act on. We didn’t want “advice,” just the chance to hear ourselves think out loud without being judged. Personally, it’s helped me see things more clearly, so I know what to do. I recall a time when I shared something that was keeping me up at night. After hearing my own soliloquy, I changed my mind from what I said earlier in the meeting. Then one of my guys, said, “Mike, do you hear what you’re saying? I think you know what to do.” And he was right. I looked around and saw their smiles and nods and knew right there— these guys have my back. And every one of them will say the same. We don’t miss a meeting unless it’s absolutely necessary; we show up, all-in. I count on them, and I know they count on me.

The unbending confidentiality we pledge at each meeting makes it safe to talk openly. There’s never pressure to say anything you don’t want to. But everyone knows they can, and that it won’t be discussed away from that table, even among the men who sit there. Confidentiality is sacred.

Our forum caught fire early on and one guy kept saying, “Our wives need to do this.” So, they did! Today their Women’s Forum is three years old and also on fire. Like the theme from the 2020 Summit East—”Iron sharpens iron.”

Forums are growing in number nationally. If you’d like to make the most of your Legatus experience, consider starting one. It just might be one of your best decisions for strenthening your faith and friendships.

Mike McCartney was previously on the Legatus National Board of Governors, and is a director for The Genesis Chapter. He has spoken on leadership to Legatus chapters coast-to-coast.