Tips for Planning a Successful Retreat

Some companies may balk at the idea of putting together a corporate retreat for reasons such as cost or the potential loss of productivity. If planned correctly, these fears can be laid to rest with agendas that are both cost effective and productive.

Venue: One of the most important things about planning a corporate retreat is the venue. If the main purpose is for a real meeting of the minds, a venue that is smaller and more intimate will allow for more productivity than a stay in Las Vegas, New York, or any of the other major metropolitan areas. Planning an off site retreat will cost more money, but will be well worth it since the everyday diversions of the workplace will be left behind for the duration of the retreat.

Objectives: You can set the foundation of your retreat by developing clear objectives of what you hope to achieve. Here are a few of the many different types of issues you may want to consider addressing:

1. Clear communication about the current missions of the organization along with any new or possible missions that are underway.
2. Focus on current trends in the market and community that could have an impact on the direction your company is currently taking.
3. Is the image currently being put forth by your company a true representation?
4. Re-assessment of corporate objectives - have they been met? Are there any new objectives to consider undertaking?
5. If team building is on the plate, take some time during your retreat to assess communication patterns from the top of command, down.
6. Re-evaluate incentive systems and get feedback as to what can make everyone work better as a team with less focus on individualism.

Developing the Agenda: A successful retreat often lies in its structure. Depending on your needs it can range from a highly structured event for the duration of the retreat, to incorporating some "play time" as well. A popular idea is "Work-Play-Work" where during a transitional time from one session to the next fun activities and diversions are icorporated to help encourage creative thought.

To Facilitate or Not: When putting together the plans for a retreat, you will inevitably have to decide who will be the facilitator. If you are the person in charge (i.e. the boss), you may think the title of facilitator falls to you ... Not necessarily. If the budget allows, try bringing in an independent facilitator who can assist the participants, help enhance group participation and can serve as an objective leader since they have no vested interest in the outcome. If you are looking for someone local, contact the Blue Ridge Learning Center (828-265-0602), they offer a full range of services for team building events and retreats.

Food For Thought: You can't expect to have a great retreat experience on an empty stomach. When planning the menu, make sure you are aware of any dietary needs of restrictions of the participants. Also, try to steer clear of heavy meals at lunch or before working sessions to keep your participants from getting drowsy due to a full stomach. If you want to help bring your team together even more, Sugar Hollow has a great kitchen for the retreat participants to make their meals together.

Taking a Different Perspective: A retreat is a great place to look for new solutions to lingering problems in the workplace. Try some group exercises to help stimulate creativity and help change perspective.

Keeping Records: It is a good idea to keep a written record of the event to preserve the outcomes. The facilitator may also be able to serve as a record keeper, or possibly ask for an executive assistant to be a part of the retreat for this purpose. Keeping a record of the goals and objectives set, decisions made, and assignments given, will not only bring closure to the event, but will also help with the implementation process once you get back.

Take it One Step Further: Keep the momentum from your retreat going after returning to the workplace by providing periodic reports of the implementation process. Also, ask for honest and direct feedback of the retreat to better plan the next one.

By fully investing in effectively planning and executing your retreat, you will incur significant benefits to your organization such as getting a fresh perspective, new strategies and the opportunity to build your teams moral and productivity.