Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Company Retreats: A Move Forward or Backward?

Love it, or hate it – corporate retreats are an intrinsic part of organizations. What are the common objectives of such off-site events? Is it work, or planning for more work? In essence, it is aimed at:

1)    Conducting strategic planning session.
2)    Engaging in teambuilding events.
3)    Rallying support for impending initiatives.
4)    Gelling the team together.

In effect, the results vary widely. These purposes and intentions are sound and relevant, in principle. However, how do we engage the minds and hearts in this, usually, costly processes?

1)    Hold these retreats with a clear sense of purpose and agenda.
2)    Create a sense of enjoyment and occasion.
3)    Involve management, and encourage them to be a strong part of such events.
4)    Connect with every one of your staff: before, during, and after.
5)    Take the opportunity to make progress, take steps forward, and leave the past behind.
6)    This is not a chiding or lambasting session, so stick to the plan.
7)    Relate, resolve and respond to staff and their concerns.
8)    Stop being penny-wise, and pound-foolish.

The next time that you organize a company retreat, how would you approach it? Move forward, not backwards!

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