Publication Date
12-2008
Abstract
{Excerpt} People look forward to retreats (or workshops) with excitement or dread. At best, it is a time for renewal, team building, and focusing work. At worst, it is a dull two days of lectures or extended meetings. A good retreat works in three dimensions—the practical, the ideal, and the political—ignore anyone and you are headed for trouble.
There are as many reasons for conducting a retreat as there are issues and challenges facing an organization. Among the most common uses of retreats are
• Helping set or change strategic direction.
• Fostering a collective vision.
• Creating a common framework and point of reference.
• Developing annual goals, objectives, and budgets.
• Discussing specific issues or challenges facing the organization.
• Dealing with sources of conflict and confusion.
• Generating creative solutions for entrenched problems.
• Improving working relationships and increasing trust.
• Encouraging honest and enlightened conversations.
• Letting people be heard on issues that are important to them.
• Orienting new staff.
Comments
Suggested Citation
Malvicini, P and Serrat, O. (2010). Conducting successful retreats. Washington, DC: Asian Development Bank.
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