Empower by Retreat

Teamwork is critical to our success.  Individuals have responsibilities and as we work together, I am always inspired, energized, and renewed by the creativity of our team.  

Last week, our team came together for a 1/2 day retreat.  We met at a location away from the office allowing us to stay focused and challenged.  Our goal was to discuss the next 12 months both strategically and creatively.  In addition, we welcomed new staff around the table with an opening meditation and sharing exercise.  These types of exercises offer all of us around the table a few minutes to get settled, relax, and develop a circle of trust.  This is particularly important for the new staff around the table.

Following this opening exercise, we concentrated on the work ahead of us.  Through review and analysis, we were able to evaluate our plans, make adjustments where necessary and begin to strategize as we look ahead. Talking to each other, hearing everyone's ideas, allowing voices to be heard are all empowering and the real success of the retreat.  In designing a retreat, it is critical that work gets done, but it is equally important to reconnect the team, renew the trust among colleagues, and for all around the table to exhibit leadership and partnership.

Ideas for opening exercises:

• Use photographs as a prompt to tell a story
• Create an art project that remains in your office, and use it during other meetings to remind the staff they are one team
• Have staff bring favorite quotes or lyrics as responses to some prompts.
• Create a word exercise that is both about the work and can be incorporated into an art project

Though it was only a half-day, we got a lot accomplished and I look forward to planning our next retreat.

Reconnect, Renew and Recommit!

Thanks to my team for sharing their creativity, their voices and their professionalism.
#teamawesome