Howdy, y’all! Over the past few months, I’ve been spending time with some leaders from around the globe over at my ranch on leadership retreats and I want to share about it. While I’ll always be your Executive Coach, fluent in sales, leadership, and marketing, I’ve been balancing it with in person DOWN AND DEEP sessions at my ranch.
What’s in a Retreat…for a Leader?
The importance of professional development can make or break a team. It’s necessary at all levels across your company, but when it comes to the section you lead, it’s what creates cohesion and momentum.
I frequently come on here to reaffirm that heavy is the head that wears that leadership crown. But did you know you can find a comfortable space to remove that crown while still working with (on) your team?
The daily grind at the office sometimes limits our ability to motivate our team sufficiently. It can be hard to focus, and yes, you do have your one-on-ones, scrimmages, and team meetings, but time is usually “borrowed time” for all involved.
Opportunities for impactful career development abound in a neutral but relaxing retreat space like our Ranch. Dedicating time and a comfortable setting offer a sense of motivation and focus that form the building blocks for every successful team.
What are the top three benefits of leadership retreats?
Why, I’m so glad you asked! Aside from the professional development mentioned above, dedicated retreat spaces, like our Ranch, often have in-house experiences. This removes the burden of singularly planning an event in the cold corner of a conference center or hotel. What’s more, at our location in Marble Falls, Texas, you have subject matter experts who serve as motivational speakers or specialized workshop hosts (uh, me!). Plus adding in incredible team building activities using our herd of horses and more.
To borrow from a previous blog (is it stealing if I stole it from myself?), retreat locations are separate spaces where:
- You stand to bond with your colleagues, creating a more robust team
- You can be vulnerable about your challenges as many of you may have similar issues
- This type of learning experience provides the space for new perspectives to excel as a team
At this point, I’ve shared more than just three benefits. At the heart of what I’m saying, it all boils down to adding a new competitive advantage through more vital interpersonal skills.
Workshops…Work
I’ve been an Executive Coach for years, and let me promise you one thing: Workshops are necessary for leaders in the middle (LIMs) and staff. During a retreat, you can bond during downtime, yes, but you can dedicate as long as you want to team workshops.
The thing about workshops is that an environment outside the office space is a better stimulant for critical thinking, skill building, and personal and professional motivation. I’ve said this before,
A successful development program, training or workshop must be able to engage participants. Hence, they desire to learn and most importantly leave with an energy, knowledge and commitment to take action. These are requirements for improved performance and success.
I love to host leader workshops at the Ranch because I can use an unconventional space to teach real life lessons. And you know what, it works. Here’s what one senior executive had to share after attending a retreat at our Ranch.
Testimony
The Retreat Ranch was an amazing experience for our leadership team.The environment encouraged both business discussions but also personal connections which will only enhance our business results and employee engagement.
The food and accommodations made taking time away from our families much easier as they were 2nd to none while also being a unique experience. The meeting space and activities were also amazing.
Everything is well thought out, and the agendas were very productive.
Mike Leathers | Chief Executive Officer
I love my job as an Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Author because I LOVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S DEVELOPMENT (yeah, I’m kinda shouting). The Retreat Ranch elevates this experience tenfold because I can help create the perfect synergy to build bonds after my presentation. It’s more immersive, and it truly is a joy to see the smiles on the faces when our guests leave.
To learn more about our planning retreats in our peaceful slice of Texas blue sky, visit our website.
Until next week!
P.S. Man, do I have something epic planned for you in my next blog! See ya then.
