Its that time of year, we returning from the summer hols and focussed on our goals for the second half of the year. Its the perfect time to get the team together to refocus. Strategy Days are great!..... or are they?! Well, they should be, but they rarely deliver on their potential....Why is that? A number of reasons -
we cram the agenda with everything we want to achieve, then on the day we go off on tangents and don't cover half of it
As an attendee - we may not feel fully engaged in the desire to change or act - through their eyes, there may be a lack of a compelling "why". Has the "why" been clearly articulated - and can I relate to why that should be important to me?
We have "great conversations" but we don't actually agree clear actions or commitments on an individual basis.
We get back to the office the following day, and we may have great intentions, but by the time we have dealt with e-mails, to-do list, not to mention all the appointments crammed in to compensate for being out yesterday - these new commitments slip further down the page
there is no follow up or assessment of whether they are actually effective and we are seeing the desired impact!
Sound familiar? It does to me - I know I've been at those meetings.....!
So - what is the solution? Should we just scrap the concept altogether? Absolutely not - because with a few tweaks, these can - and should - be the most productive days of the year. So, lets get tweaking:-
Consider your why - what are you trying to change/improve in your business and what will be different as a result if this day is successful? Don't rush this - take the time to really paint a picture. How are people acting, feeling, what are customers saying about you? On the day, be ready to share this "why" in a compelling way - and give each attendee time to consider their "why" too - if everyone is engaged in the "why" they will then be far more engaged in creating the outcome.
Create an outcome focussed agenda, outlining the most important things that you want to address, and be very clear on the desired outcome for each planned session - allocate sufficient time to achieve the outcome (with the best will in the world, you probably aren't going to set all the goals for the year in the space of 30 minutes!)
Run each session in a collaborative way, that ensures everyone has the chance to contribute ideas, then prioritise the ideas that are going to give you the best chance of achieving your desired outcomes - you may have 40-50 great ideas, but focussing on 4-5 and really bringing them to life will be far more powerful than trying to do everything
Block time in your diary in the days following the event to actually complete the agreed actions, and follow up - and block out this time BEFORE attending, that way other demands won't get in the way!
Follow up! Agree how you will track outcomes - and get the team together to review progress - this will allow you to ensure the actions are happening and working, share best practice - and give a chance to adjust the plan
A simple formula for a productive strategy day! Want to take it further? Why not get an independent facilitator to support you with considering your why, creating your outcome focussed agenda, and being there on the day to ensure pace, focus and traction - allowing you to fully participate. There may be someone in your organisation in another team who could help, and you could return the favour, or you may wish to seek external support.
I have supported many senior leaders with Strategy Days and am happy to bring fresh ideas to your table that I have seen first hand can work. You are already investing heavily by taking the time to do it - why not make that extra bit of investment to ensure that time pays dividends!
Please get in touch for an initial chat - we could be planning the strategy that will set the path to unconsidered heights! www.lizgilchristcoaching.co.uk
Comments