This was my second year at Leaders' Forum. I went in 1998 because I had a good recommendation from Jerry Weinberg about the Striders and because it was in Mt. Crested Butte.

I went this year because I wanted the retreat, the chance to recharge myself. To form new connections, reinforce old ones. And of course, it was in Mt. Crested Butte.

As the time for LF 99 approached, I felt like I could have better spent my time at work "getting stuff done." In retrospect, I think I can use this as a gauge. If I think I'm too busy to go to LF, then I need to go even more. I came back much clearer and more energized than when I arrived.

For me, LF is a safe environment where I can connect with people. I think these connections are possible for several reasons. First, LF is by invitation only. This is important. While we are all individuals and many of us have not met prior to LF, there are threads connecting each of the participants.

Second, the environment is very free. It has just enough structure to form as the week begins. Some of the formation may happen in communications prior to the official start (the unofficial start happens much earlier though I'm not exactly sure just where.) Much of the form happens the first evening then adjusts as the week progresses.

Third, it is a working vacation. On the one hand I got several useful gems. I've used some already. I'm going to use more soon (introducing things in small doses). Sometimes those gems are things I've come across in the past but were not ready for. Often they are new. And there are even times when they are combinations of things that happen to fall into place at the right time. On the other hand I have Mt. Crested Butte with hiking, sight seeing, fishing, etc. The days generally are long start to finish because there's a break in the middle to spend time taking in the surroundings.

I think with Leaders' Forum you get what you need. I'll be attending again!