“I thought that when management went on a retreat on the North Coast it was all fun and games. I didn’t realise that you really did some serious, hard work” said one of the young special invitees to the corporate retreat I facilitated a few weeks ago.
Indeed, when my friends hear that I am going to Jamaica to facilitate a retreat on the North Coast, they envision a weekend of sun and fun. Truth is, I sometimes don’t even get to the beach, save maybe for an early morning dip on the last day! So why do offsites?
I refer to the retreat as an “advance” because our main aim is to move forward in some particular area of focus – strategic planning, teambuilding, culture change, leadership – whatever the focus, the intention is that the team leave the advance with significant progress.
The advance allows employees to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in an environment conducive to collaboration and growth. It’s a way to bring some of the best minds together and give them space to explore, deliberate and focus. However, as with any endeavor, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Advantages:
1. Team Building and Collaboration:
No matter the topic, an advance provides an opportunity for team members to get to know each other outside of the workplace. This helps build stronger relationships, improves team dynamics, and fosters a sense of unity. When team members feel connected, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, leading to increased productivity and innovation within the organization. This is essential for successful implementation of whatever comes out of the advance.
2. Clarity and focus:
The offsite provides space for thinking beyond the boundaries of the current and past situation. In a relaxed environment, away from the distractions of daily work demands, participants can explore the future, open to all possibilities – even the crazy ones – and then focus on what’s really important to the topic at hand. I often refer to the “wisdom of the group” being greater than the sum of the wisdom of each individual.
3. Platform for Learning and Skill Development:
Coming together in an offsite advance offers an ideal platform for team members to learn and grow together. These new skills and knowledge can then be applied back in the workplace, benefiting both individuals and the organization as a whole.
Disadvantages:
1. Cost and Time:
It’s not cheap! There are costs for accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities – and of course for the facilitator! Small or financially challenged organizations may find it challenging to allocate the necessary resources. Additionally, the time spent away from regular work can impact project deadlines or workload management. It’s not unusual to see participants trying to multi-task on their phones or laptops! I urge organizations to include the advance in their annual budget, and to ask everyone to block time in their calendars well in advance. Plus, I always allow time for check ins with the office.
2. Distractions:
While the advance aims to promote collaboration and productivity, it can sometimes lead to a lack of focus and distractions. When team members gather in a non-work environment, they may be tempted to prioritize leisure activities over work-related discussions. And even if they are physically present, their minds may be elsewhere. This is one of the key tasks of the facilitator – to keep the advance interesting, engaging and fun!
3. Cultural barriers to Participation:
If the organization has a toxic culture, it is difficult to pull people together and expect open, honest discussions. The culture of the workplace will play out in the advance. This may lead to root issues – the “elephants in the room” – not being addressed, and indeed, could make the situation even worse, as participants leave feeling frustrated and further disengaged and demotivated.
When planning an advance, make sure that you consider the above. Most importantly, I advise using a facilitator, skilled in the art and science of group processes. Yes, the facilitator is another cost, but the value of an excellent one far outweighs the costs. NB: I will address the role and value of the facilitator in another blog.
The offsite advance can be a valuable investment that yields returns in the short, medium and long term. Careful planning and consideration of the above will help you make the right decision to ensure the growth of your team and your organization.
