Stepping out of the office creates invaluable opportunities to gain insight and foresight.
Recently, a client proposed holding their annual two-day global strategic planning session at their corporate office.
I countered.
I shared that different times and spaces are crucial ingredients for strategic planning. Retreats - whether at coastal golf resorts or sanctuary-like mountain hideaways - create environments where an executive team can reflect deeply, think creatively, and strategise with clarity.
January and February can be my busiest months for strategy facilitation, with both local and global clients, especially those with calendar-year financials.
There are plenty of excellent retreat venues at a range of price points - many not far from your office - offering the perfect backdrop to bring your team together to tackle the three strategic “what now” questions essential for future-proofing your business.
When I shared my retreat perspective, my client embraced the idea. In the coming week, their team and I are heading to Spicers Hidden Vale - a nice choice.
The following week, I’ll facilitate a strategy retreat at Royal Pines, another exceptional venue for reflection and some rounds of golf!
Interestingly, golf requires big-picture thinking: each shot is strategic - considering terrain, wind, distance and obstacles before executing. Both golf and strategic success demand patience, flexibility and a long-term view.
Golfers must choose the right club, angle and approach for each shot. Likewise, executives weigh approaches and make decisions that shape their organisation’s long-term future.
We tee off with problems and dilemmas and head back into the clubhouse with answers.