MODERN BUSINESS
back to the office as well. Create
tangible milestones during the
retreat you all agree to continue in
the office for KPI’s and performance
- look at commercial and personal
goals at each review. Most of
all, if you’re going to take away
your learnings and apply agreed
accountability measures, make
them official. Follow up. Show that
ideas agreed and generated on
retreat, can be swiftly implemented
as soon as possible back at work.
3. Leadership:
I always say there are three pillars
of true leadership:
- leading from within
- leading by example
- leading others
Corporate retreats are an ideal
opportunity for executive teams
to test elements and roll them out
for a period of time before sharing
with the broader teams. It may be
a 4 week implementation period
post retreat that requires a re-group
before rolling out. By leading by
example and practicing what you
preach the element of authenticity
and trust is improved, creating
a real engagement with leaders
across divisions as well. Often
retreats are an opportunity to see
other skills, characteristics and
ideas from those around you - a
forum where problem solving and
collaboration can show leadership
in a different light.
Most importantly leadership teams
and executive level management
have an opportunity to explore
the core commercial elements on
the agenda as well as their own
personal well-being and goals in a
12 ModernBusiness
April 2016
safe and constructive environment.
Increasing personal connection can
greatly improve collaboration and
work ethic inside a company - it’s
essential for our increasingly virtual
world. This all greatly improves
productivity and accountability.
Spend wisely
Finally whatever you do keep it
relevant, efficient and forget about
the fad gadgets and gimmicks
or signature flashlights and
backpacks.… Best place is to
spend your budget is on the right
location and the people hosting the
retreat for you. You don’t want your
leadership team coming back into
the office on Monday exhausted
from late nights of too many drinks
and not too sure of what the next
steps are. This is about lifting your
corporate sessions up a notch and
getting engagement from the get
go. It’s the conversation, the quality
connections, well organised time
and content that allows a perfect
blend of relaxation, connection and
strategic thinking.
Corporate retreats, if executed well,
efficiently and with purpose, are a
powerful tool to re-ignite shared
purpose, engagement and a passion
for performance in business and
in life. So combine running your
break away sessions like you do
your business. Have a purpose,
define who