The Underrated Relationship Builder: Using the FORD Method in Peer Advisory Groups

In the world of peer advisory councils, mastermind groups, and executive forums, we talk a lot about frameworks, facilitation, and driving business results. But sometimes, the most overlooked power move isn’t a new tool or strategy—it’s the ability to forge genuine, lasting relationships among your members. And if there’s one method that consistently strengthens those bonds, it’s the FORD Method.

Why Relationships Are the Real Differentiator

Peer advisory groups thrive on trust, openness, and meaningful connection. The value isn’t just the content shared—it’s the willingness of members to be vulnerable, to open up, and to offer honest insights. Yet, building that environment doesn’t happen by accident. It calls for intention, structure, and a genuine curiosity about one another.

This is where the FORD framework comes in.

What Is the FORD Method?

FORD is a research-backed approach to building rapport and strengthening relationships, both inside and outside of peer groups. The acronym stands for:

• Family

• Occupation

• Recreation

• Dreams

Each pillar acts as a conversational gateway, allowing group leaders, moderators, and members to go beyond surface-level chit-chat and into conversations that matter.

How It Works: Move Past Small Talk, Build Deep Connections

When you first meet someone—or want to get to know a group member better—it’s tempting to stick to safe, easy subjects. The FORD Method gives you permission (and structure) to go deeper, one topic at a time. Here’s how each section works in practice:

Family
Everyone’s definition of family varies. It might mean relatives, close friends, or even pets. Asking about someone’s family can open doors to discussions about personal history, values, and influences—always tread gently but show genuine interest. It could be as simple as: “Tell me about who had the most influence on you growing up?” or “Who do you consider family?”

Occupation
Start with what people do, but don’t stop there. Move past, “What do you do?” and ask open-ended, meaningful questions:

• “How did you get into your line of work?”

• “What part of your role lights you up?”

• “What’s the most rewarding part of your workday?”
  
  
  People appreciate feeling seen, not just in their titles, but in their journeys and passions.

Recreation
This is often the most enjoyable topic and a surprising entry point into understanding what brings people joy outside the boardroom. Try:

• “What do you love to do for fun?”

• “When was the last time you took a break, and what did you do?”
  
  
  You might discover surprising commonalities—maybe two members share a love for fly fishing, or someone’s a secret knitter.

Dreams
The most under-asked, but potentially the most powerful. “What are your dreams and aspirations?” is a conversation starter that often catches people off guard. Yet, it allows members to reveal their ambitions, future plans, and what truly motivates them. Sometimes, even asking the question helps someone reconnect with long-dormant goals.

Why FORD Works—And How to Use It

The true power in FORD isn’t just in asking the questions—it’s in listening deeply to the answers, and then building your next question from what you hear. For group moderators, this method acts both as a screening tool—helping determine right-fit members—and as ongoing guidance for deepening the group’s authenticity.

Here’s why it works:

• It shifts conversations from transactional to transformational

• It creates space for vulnerability and trust, the lifeblood of any successful mastermind

• It helps identify shared experiences and potential connections no agenda or icebreaker could engineer

A crucial reminder: Use the FORD method sincerely. Authentic curiosity is the difference between moving through a checklist and truly building relationships.

Your Action Step: Try the FORD Method This Week

Whether you’re onboarding a new group member, prepping for an upcoming meeting, or reaching out to a longtime colleague, choose one FORD category and ask a meaningful, open-ended question. Listen for the story behind their answer—then build the conversation from there.

If you can’t answer all four FORD categories for a key peer in your circle, start with the one you know least about. You’ll be amazed what unfolds.

Peer groups are a relationship business. Make the most of that gift by using FORD to foster openness, trust, and deeper connections—because on the other side of a good question is a better relationship, every single time.

Now go make those conversations count.