What value is there in leadership or team-building retreats? Just consider the following.
An executive committee of an association Jaylen Brown Jersey , deliberating on strategic planning issues, identified ?who we are? in terms of their membership. By focusing on the challenges and opportunities represented by certain membership segments, the committee created specific strategic initiatives for the upcoming year. A 17 person CPA firm structured their most recent annual meeting to encourage greater teamwork by addressing the issues of 1) misinformation between management and staff and 2) lack of clarity around the firm's goals, direction Shaquille O'Neal Jersey , and image. The results included improved productivity, enhanced esprit-de-corps, and most important, the understanding by every person of his or her role in supporting the firm's strategic business objectives. Encouraged by the informal setting of a retreat Reggie Lewis Jersey , a team, behind schedule on an important project, finally brought out into the open its concerns about the leader's way of handling disagreements. By examining the different methods of managing conflicts, the team came up with a process that would encourage divergent thinking and Kevin Mchale Jersey , at the same time, focus on how to make well-thought out decisions regarding the project.
Leadership or team-building retreats for an executive committee, a board of directors or a project team can provide substantial return on investment for an organization or business, especially during times of change. Here's how to plan a productive retreat that ensures meaningful interaction John Havlicek Jersey , as well as, lasting results.
Create a special environment. Participants need to feel relaxed and comfortable. The informal atmosphere lets them be themselves and interact in a more natural way. Don't just think meeting room. Think meeting place. It can be a resort, a historic inn, a conference reality Danny Ainge Jersey , any setting that allows for time out and getting away from the everyday routine.
Determine success indicators. If a company doesn't have specific written objectives, it is wasting its money. In fact, Meeting Professionals International recently surveyed companies who had held retreats or off-site meetings within the past year. The survey found that more than half of these companies measured the results of the retreat against specific objectives to track their return on investment.
Build in structure. The key to the structure of any retreat is a well thought -out agenda. Preparation before the meeting will enhance the ?buy-in? and eventual commitment to the results of the retreat.
Provide an external influence. This person might be an expert in group facilitation, an expert in a particular area or technical specialty Bob Cousy Jersey , or perhaps a futurist or strategic planner. This is not an area to skimp on. A professional can take your retreat from just another meeting to a winning endeavor.
As the popularity of team-building and leadership retreats grows, businesses and organizations that take the time to plan their retreats properly will be way ahead of the game. As one participant of a recent retreat said, ?We reached new heights in terms of where we're going, the kinds of goals and objectives we need Dennis Johnson Jersey , and the leadership direction we need to be headed in.? That is the sign of a productive retreat.
In case of timber decking it is a popular way to fit out a patio or an outdoor deck area. The material used could be a mixture of soft and hard wood varieties. The end result is varied as per desired looks and properties. Many people wish to add on timber decking to their outdoor areas in order to create a rustic and natural look. This cannot be done with the help of composite or metallic materials. Home owners often wish to add on a timber deck so that a living space is created. It can be an ideal spot for gatherings, sports and meals.
Hardwoods used
The materials used in timber decking differ and accordingly the wooden decks maintenance requirements also differ. Usually hardwood varieties like teak or cedar are used for creating timber decks. The woods are known to have natural oils which can resist moisture and mold buildup. As a result the wooden decks maintenance requirements are minimal in these cases. The strength as well as durability of the decks increases with such hardwood varieties. These wood species are, however expensive to source these days. However, they do offset the cost as maintenance requirements are less. A more affordable variety is oak. These hardwoods are known to be exotic in their nature. They also offer a natural and rich look and coloring that offer a wonderful effect for the outdoor area.