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Company Retreats: A Move Forward or Backward?

Guest post by: Enrico Varella

Article Overview: Love it, or hate it – corporate retreats are an intrinsic part of organizations. What are the common objectives of such off-site events?

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 a strategic planning session.

2) Engaging in teambuilding events.

3) Rallying support for impending initiatives.

4) Gelling the team together.

5) A form of celebration.

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, high-budget 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 blaming session, so stick to the plan.

7) Relate, resolve and respond to staff and their concerns.

8) Stop being penny-wise, and pound-foolish.

Here is also an opportunity for leaders to articulate their values and beliefs. Lead your team towards your vision, and gain a sense of a shared vision. Use this opportunity to sell-in your ideas, and gain buy-in. The conditions are different, as we are not anchored to unpleasant work-place experiences. Endeavour to create new, pleasant experiences that may be memorable. Associate new, positive feelings with this remote location. Time to let your hair down, even if it is for a short while.

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

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Article Tags: budget, celebration, commitment, corporate retreats, results, vision



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