Q: My Forum is debating whether to add 2 new members. We currently have 6 members, so that would bring us up to 8. Is there an ideal Forum size we should shoot for?
– Brent L.
A: Good question! Forum size has been declining since Forums started in YPO in 1976. Originally, the “ideal” size was 12 members. Over the years, it dwindled to 10, and then to 8.
The truth is there’s no universally right answer to this. I’ve seen healthy and strong Forums with as few as 4 and as many as 13 members. There isn’t a perfect size—it really depends on what works best for your unique Forum.
Here are a couple of things to consider. First, larger Forums have more experience in the room and more connections around the table. Smaller Forums sometimes have deeper relationships and less hassle scheduling their meetings & retreat. Which is more important to your group?
Second, an even number of members makes it easier to pair up for exercises. An odd number ensures you always have a tiebreaker when you vote on something. Even or odd – they both have their advantages.
Finally, congrats on adding 2 members at once. It’s considered a best practice. Any time a new member joins the Forum, it’s a “new Forum” and depth & trust have to be rebuilt. If 2 members are added at the same time, the rebuild process only needs to happen once instead of twice.
As always, ensure that new members are aligned with your Norms/Constitution to avoid surprises down the road. When members are aligned, open, honest, and vulnerable, your Forum will thrive no matter the size!
– Ellie