# Peers Advisory Group Module A structured advisory consultation module for the BMAD-METHOD framework that helps users deeply analyze complex decision-making problems through multi-round questioning and feedback from top business leaders. ## Overview The Peers Advisory Group module provides a rigorous 8-step consultation process, channeling wisdom from four legendary business leaders (Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs) to help users: - Uncover root causes hidden beneath surface symptoms - Challenge limiting assumptions and beliefs - Explore blind spots through diverse perspectives - Generate actionable solutions grounded in proven experience ## Features - ✅ **8-Step Structured Process**: From problem confirmation to action commitments - ✅ **4 Legendary Advisors**: Default panel of Buffett, Gates, Musk, Jobs (customizable) - ✅ **Progressive Questioning**: Three rounds that gradually deepen inquiry - ✅ **Actionable Recommendations**: Specific, executable advice from each advisor - ✅ **Beautiful Reports**: Optional magazine-style HTML summary ## Use Cases - 🎯 **Career Decisions**: Job changes, career pivots, entrepreneurship - 🎯 **Business Strategy**: Market entry, product direction, fundraising - 🎯 **Complex Relationships**: Team conflicts, partnership issues - 🎯 **Personal Growth**: Skill gaps, mindset challenges, life transitions ## Quick Start ### 1. Install Module ```bash npx bmad-method install # Select "Peers Advisory Group" from the module list ``` ### 2. Start Advisory Session In your IDE, invoke the Advisory Facilitator agent: ``` /facilitator SA ``` Or use fuzzy matching: ``` /facilitator start advisory ``` ### 3. Complete the Process Follow the 8-step process: 1. **Confirm Issue** - Clarify your problem and expected outcomes 2. **Round 1 Questions** - 8 foundational questions (2 per advisor) 3. **Round 2 Questions** - Challenging black hat questions 4. **Round 3 Questions** - Divergent exploration questions 5. **Your Questions** - Ask advisors for clarification 6. **Advisor Feedback** - Receive complete recommendations 7. **Your Summary** - Commit to specific actions with deadlines 8. **Advisor Reflections** - Deep insights on growth direction ## Module Structure ``` peers-advisory/ ├── module.yaml # Module configuration ├── agents/ │ └── facilitator.agent.yaml # Advisory Facilitator agent ├── workflows/ │ └── advisory-session/ │ ├── workflow.md # Main workflow definition │ ├── session-record.template.md # Session record template │ ├── steps/ # 8 step files │ │ ├── step-01-confirm-issue.md │ │ ├── step-02-round-1.md │ │ ├── step-03-round-2.md │ │ ├── step-04-round-3.md │ │ ├── step-05-client-questions.md │ │ ├── step-06-advisor-feedback.md │ │ ├── step-07-client-summary.md │ │ └── step-08-advisor-reflect.md │ └── templates/ │ ├── feedback-format.md │ ├── reflection-format.md │ └── magazine-report-guide.md ├── data/ │ └── advisors/ │ └── default-advisors.md # Default advisor profiles └── README.md # This file ``` ## Configuration Options ### Module Configuration Edit `{project-root}/_bmad/pag/config.yaml` to customize: | Option | Description | Default | |--------|-------------|---------| | `default_advisors` | Use default panel or custom | `yes` | | `session_output_folder` | Where session records are saved | `{output_folder}/advisory-sessions` | | `communication_language` | Session language | `en-US` | | `generate_magazine_report` | Auto-generate HTML report | `ask` | ### Custom Advisors To use custom advisors: 1. In Step 01, choose "Custom Panel" 2. Specify 1-4 notable figures 3. System generates advisor profiles automatically 4. Confirm profiles before continuing Example custom advisors: - Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bezos, Angela Merkel, Richard Branson - Ray Dalio, Satya Nadella, Mary Barra, Jensen Huang ## Output Files ### Session Record - **Location**: `{session_output_folder}/session-YYYY-MM-DD.md` - **Format**: Markdown with YAML frontmatter - **Content**: Complete dialogue transcript, all Q&A, recommendations, commitments ### Magazine Report (Optional) - **Location**: `{session_output_folder}/report-YYYY-MM-DD.html` - **Format**: Printable HTML - **Content**: Formatted summary with visual design, advisor-specific color coding ## Workflow Philosophy ### Core Principles 1. **Empathy First**: Accept that the client's feelings are their reality 2. **Rigorous Process**: Strictly follow the 8-step sequence 3. **One Question at a Time**: Wait for responses before continuing 4. **Actionable Advice**: All suggestions must be specific and executable 5. **Character Consistency**: Maintain each advisor's unique voice ### Question Progression **Round 1 (Foundational)**: Understand the basics - What are the facts and context? - Who's involved and affected? - What are the constraints? **Round 2 (Black Hat)**: Challenge assumptions - What are you not seeing? - Could YOU be the problem? - What are you avoiding? **Round 3 (Divergent)**: Explore unexpected angles - Break mental patterns - Reveal unconscious beliefs - Find hidden connections ## Integration with BMAD ### Standalone Operation The Peers Advisory Group module operates independently: - ✅ No dependencies on other BMAD modules - ✅ Can be used for any advisory consultation - ✅ Works with all BMAD-supported IDEs ### Complementary Use Cases Pairs well with: - **BMM (BMad Method)**: Use advisory session before planning epics - **Creative Suite**: Combine with brainstorming for ideation + validation - **Core Workflows**: Run advisory on complex project decisions ## Best Practices ### Before the Session 1. **Prepare Your Issue**: Write a brief summary beforehand 2. **Gather Context**: Collect relevant data, timelines, stakeholder info 3. **Block Time**: Reserve 60-90 uninterrupted minutes 4. **Set Intention**: Be open to uncomfortable truths ### During the Session 1. **Answer Honestly**: Quality advice requires accurate information 2. **Don't Rush**: Take time with challenging questions 3. **Stay Present**: Resist the urge to defend or justify 4. **Take Notes**: Beyond the transcript, capture your reactions ### After the Session 1. **Act Within 48 Hours**: Start your first commitment immediately 2. **Share Commitments**: Tell someone who will hold you accountable 3. **Set Reminders**: Calendar your deadline dates 4. **Revisit in 30 Days**: Review the session record and assess progress ## Advanced Features ### Resume Interrupted Sessions If a session is interrupted: ``` /facilitator RS ``` The facilitator will: - Load your most recent session file - Check the `currentStep` from frontmatter - Resume from that exact step ### Review Advisor Profiles To review default advisor profiles: ``` /facilitator LA ``` ### Multiple Sessions You can run multiple advisory sessions: - Each creates a new dated session file - Previous sessions remain available for reference - Compare insights across different problems ## Troubleshooting ### Common Issues **Problem**: Advisor responses feel generic - **Solution**: Provide more context in your answers - **Solution**: Review `data/advisors/default-advisors.md` for character traits **Problem**: Questions don't relate to my situation - **Solution**: Use custom advisors more relevant to your domain - **Solution**: Provide clearer problem context in Step 01 **Problem**: Can't resume session - **Solution**: Check that session file exists in `session_output_folder` - **Solution**: Verify YAML frontmatter shows `currentStep` value ### Getting Help - **Issues**: [BMAD-METHOD GitHub Issues](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD/issues) - **Discussions**: [BMAD-METHOD Discussions](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD/discussions) - **Documentation**: `/docs/` in BMAD-METHOD repository ## Contributing Contributions are welcome! Areas where you can help: - Additional advisor profiles (historical figures, industry leaders) - Translations to other languages - Enhanced magazine report templates - Improved questioning strategies - Integration examples See [CONTRIBUTING.md](../../CONTRIBUTING.md) for guidelines. ## Credits ### Inspiration This module adapts the "Peers Advisory Group" (私董会) methodology, a structured consultation format used in executive coaching and leadership development. ### BMAD Framework Built for the [BMAD-METHOD](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD) framework, an open-source AI-driven agile development system. ## License MIT License - Same as BMAD-METHOD --- ## Example Session Flow ``` You: /facilitator SA Facilitator: Hello, I'm your Peers Advisory Group facilitator... [Asks about your problem] You: I'm considering leaving my current company to start my own business, but I'm not sure if it's the right time... Facilitator: [Confirms understanding, asks clarifying questions] Facilitator: Now we need to configure your advisor panel... You: Let's use the default panel. Facilitator: Excellent. Round 1 begins... Warren Buffett asks: "Let's start with the basics - if you had to explain this problem to your grandmother, how would you describe what's really at stake here?" You: [Answers...] [Session continues through all 8 steps] Facilitator: ✅ Advisory Session Complete Your commitments: 1. Calculate 6-month runway by Friday 2. Interview 3 potential co-founders by end of month 3. Make go/no-go decision by March 15 Would you like me to generate a magazine-style report? You: Yes Facilitator: Report generated at: /advisory-sessions/report-2025-01-23.html ``` --- **Ready to get started?** ``` /facilitator SA ``` Let's solve your most pressing challenge.