By Dale Kurow
As an executive coach, one of the decisions I help new leaders make is whether, when and where to hold their first off-site meeting.
Off-site meetings can be constructive team-building experiences and can catapult your staff to perform at higher levels.
However, without the proper vision, planning and execution, off-site meetings can have just the opposite effect: disrupting and polarizing your team.
Here are six tips for optimizing your off-site meetings:
1. Focus and clarity of purpose is paramount. If this is your first off-site as a new leader, relationship building should be your priority. Only after the team has learned what to expect from you, should you move ahead to discuss other business topics such as strategy, operating upgrades, etc. Relationship building comes first.
2. Have one (or two goals) max. Trying to tackle too many topics in your first off-site is a mistake. Don't give into the urge to multi-tasking, this will dilute your stated purpose and you'll accomplish less.
3. Prepare written goals and objectives. For example, if you have chosen to employ a relationship building exercise at the off-site meeting, decide when will it be introduced, what will be discussed and for how long, and what activity will ensue after that. Writing down your key goals and objectives, with timetables for each segment, will help ensure a good result.
4. Timing is crucial. Do you need one-on-one meetings with each individual before you schedule an off-site? If you have a disgruntled staff member who wanted your job and this individual brings emotional baggage into the meeting, you'll be courting trouble. Better to wait and/or have individual meetings to avoid exacerbating differences or intensifying coalitions between staff members.
5. Venue and length of meeting can vary from weeklong boondoggles (does anybody do these anymore?) with lavish entertainment, travel and hotel budgets to a one to two-day event in a person's house. Deciding which format to choose should be based on the newness of your staff, the off-site's purpose and the outcome you hope to accomplish.
6. Consider hiring a facilitator who can keep your staff focused and action oriented. Further, if you sense hostility brewing, using a skilled facilitator will signal that you are aware there's a problem and you are serious about dealing with it.
One more thing, don't forget to have fun. While off-sites can serve many important business needs, your staff is also hoping they can laugh with you. The best way to instill loyalty is to show them who you are, and that includes being genuine, open and human.
Dale Kurow, M.S., is an Executive Coach in New York providing leadership strategies for rapid advancement to professionals across all industries and disciplines. Dale works over the phone or in-person. Visit Dale's website at: http://dalekurow.com and blog: http://executivecoachinnewyork.com for strategies to improve your leadership skills.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Kurow
http://EzineArticles.com/?Six-Tips-for-Great-Off-Site-Meetings&id=7213445
No comments:
Post a Comment