Core group and member transitions
Core transitions are any changes made to Core Groups, group members, and/or the Guide and can take place for a number of reasons, including: changes in a member’s schedule, conflicts of interest, member renewals, etc. They happen as needs occur, and there is no strict timeline for transitions. Transitions may also occur at the group-level (e.g, and Guide change) or at the individual member level (e.g., a member leaves one Core Group and joins another).
Please note: If a group drops to 5 or fewer members in size anytime before M5, they will automatically get folded into another legacy group and lose their Guide. This option at least allows the group to stay together instead of Core changing individuals out and adding even more changes to their journey.
Below, you will find an overview of the type of Core Group transitions that can occur as well as the communications provided by the Chief team related to each transition. If you have any questions related to a transition taking place with one of your Core Groups, please reach out to guides@chief.com.
TERMS TO KNOW
Transitions: General term for any changes made to Core Groups, Core Group members, and/or Core Guides.
Retire: When a Core Group will no longer meet together (also known as a “disband”).
Merge: When two or more existing Core Groups join to form one Core Group.
Guide change: When a Guide leaves their Core Group or joins an existing Core Group to replace the group’s former Guide.
Individual Core change: When an individual member leaves or joins a new Core Group.
WHY DO CORE TRANSITIONS OCCUR?
We aim for Core Groups to consist of 8-12 active members. If group size, group dynamic, Guide satisfaction, or member engagement decreases, this can result in a Core change.
Core changes are part of the natural evolution of most Core Groups. While the goal is for groups to stay together for the entire year, some groups find a natural ending point sooner. The goal is for transitions to be a positive experience where members benefit from fresh perspectives to inject new energy into their Core experience.
Core transitions can occur at the group or individual level and can occur for a number of reasons, including:
Individual Changes
Requested by the member (due to satisfaction, availability, etc.)
Due to repeated absences or disengagement
Conflict of interest with another member of the group
Group Changes
Adding new members
Group retire (disband)
Guide change
Multiple (smaller) groups merge to form one group
WHAT DO I DO AS A GUIDE IF THERE’S A TRANSITION?
Below are common Core transition scenarios that occur as well as the Guide’s actions. Use this as guidance for any Core transitions you encounter.
A new member is placed into a Core Group
Guide receives notification via email.
New member is added to the group roster on Chief.com
Guide sends an email or chat introduction to the new member, welcoming them to the group.
Guide plans to introduce the member at the next Core meeting
Member is removed from Core Group
Guide should inform the group of the change, but not divulge information on the member’s behalf
If member chooses to, hold space for a member farewell exercise during a Core meeting
Two or more groups are merged to create one Core Group
Guide should plan a welcome activity to help members get to know each other and build trust
If you’re losing a group due to a merge, complete a goodbye ritual either in the meeting or via email
The group will no longer meet because group size gets too small to continue on as is or all members choose to join other groups individually or through a merge
Guide should complete a goodbye ritual either in the meeting or via email
The group will continue on with a new Guide
Guide should complete a goodbye ritual either in the meeting or via email
If possible, share any relevant information about the group with the Chief team and/or the new Guide