Make the Most of Your Team Retreat

Source: Partner Insights

The following includes excerpts, reproduced with permission, of an article by August Aquila.

1.) What's the purpose? The retreat should have a primary purpose. What do you want to do differently as a result of the retreat? Whatever the goals, you should be able to list them out and the expected outcome – preliminary discussion, create a plan, implement, etc.

Advice: Don't focus on more than one or two topics.

2.) How to prepare? I have seen many retreats fail because the partners and the internal retreat leader do not prepare. A retreat workbook, as well as a detailed agenda, should be prepared in advance. Partners should have access to all the background material and know the expected outcomes of the retreat.

Advice: Make sure you leave some open time on the agenda. The more involvement in the decision making, the more commitment the partners will have.

3.) Will you implement? The success of any retreat comes with the follow-up and implementation. While the outside facilitator can help, it is up to the partners to make it happen. Follow-up becomes the new way of working the firm. Retreat goals become part of the daily routine.

Advice: Ask yourself whether your partners have the will and determination to implement the retreat goals.

4.) Do you need an outside facilitator? Not always. An outside facilitator can bring a broader perspective and act as a neutralizer to sensitive and emotional issues. When an internal person facilitates, it's hard for him or her to also participate. A good facilitator will bring up and help resolve difficult issues.

Advice: Select an outside facilitator with care. Look for someone who has knowledge of the accounting profession, experience with your size firm, and hands-on practice management experience.

For the complete article, read “Don't Make Your 2011 Partner Retreat Just Another Meeting.”

From Partner Insights, Aquila Global Advisors, LLC, May 2011, http://www.aquilaadvisors.com.