7 steps to plan highly engaging leadership retreats

Dear Office of the CEO: a bad C-suite retreat can cost you upwards of $100,000 in wasted time, poor decisions and leadership distrust. Here are 7 steps to plan, design and execute highly engaging leadership retreats for your C-suite:

1. Set clear goals 

Set clear retreat goals and expectations to make sure you are getting maximum value out of high stakes retreats. For example, are you looking for better team collaboration or improved strategy?

2. Identify stakeholders 

Reduce the amount of stakeholders to keep the retreat at an intimate level. Consider inviting star performers or external advisors for guest appearances on focused topics like increasing emotional intelligence or incorporating AI into the workplace.

3. Complete logistics 

Assess your C-suite team’s preferences on retreat location and lodging. Make sure to book the venue and secure travel plans months in advance. You do not want to scramble the week before.

4. Create a master schedule

Source session ideas from your C-suite team. Create a master schedule with agendas and session goals. Break up intense working sessions with team bonding sessions, meals and special activities. If you do too many back to back workshops, your C-suite team might doze off.

5. Facilitate sessions 

Appoint a trusted facilitator or hire one to help you run these high stakes retreats. If not, assign meeting minutes and action tracking to your Chief of Staff or Executive Assistant.

6. Complete follow up

After the retreat has concluded, send a copy of all notes and actions to the group, as well as a  feedback survey. Your Chief of Staff or the Executive Assistant can follow up with individual C-suite leaders for complete accountability.

7. Report outcomes 

Did you hit your retreat goals? Share the results of your retreats with your C-suite team and selectively share headlines with your entire company. Make adjustments as necessary for future retreats.

That’s it. Follow these 7 steps to deliver amazing retreats that boost C-suite collaboration and improve company strategy.

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