Management retreats can be a very effective tool in the leader's tool box when used appropriately and effectively.  Many times senior management will dismiss retreats for a variety of reason.  Budgetary issues, time away from the office, and too little results once the participants return to the work place are some of the reasons.  But it doesn't have to be this way.  Many organizations, large and small, have realized many benefits of retreats if they are developed, implemented and delivered properly.  Below are "10 Principles for Successful, Meaningful, and Productive Retreats":

1. Creation of a "Theme".   Too often companies do not think through what the retreat is designed to accomplish.  They "just do it!"  Developing a theme allows management to identify in advance an overall purpose for the retreat and informs the attendees as to the nature of why and how they will be spending their time away from the office.

2. Identification of 3-5 major initiatives.  Thinking through major initiatives that the organizations deems important ties the retreat to issues and objectives that enhance the values and benefits of the retreat in terms of costs and time spent away from the workplace. 

3. Utilizing a variety of methodologies.  Incorporating various methods of delivering the learning enhances hitting the  "hot buttons" for how the attendees learn best.  Examples may include lectures, physical exercises, workshops, films, expert panels, role plays etc. 

4. Creation of Action Plan and Follow-Up Plan.  Thinking in terms the expected outcomes and how the organization will follow-up on the learning outcomes are critical to the success of a retreat. Too often, once the event is over and everyone returns back to the workplace, it is business as usual.  Creation of a plan helps the retreat last more than just 2-3 days during the retreat. 

5. Senior Management's involvement.  If the participants understand that everyone, including senior management, plays an active role during the retreat it sends a strong, powerful message that the time spent is worthwhile and valuable to everyone within the organization.  That the retreat is not just a quick "fix" but rather for the benefit of all. 

6. Utilizing expertise.  Identification of the strengths of members of the team regardless of their position within the hierarchy and utilizing those strengths is critical.  It is cost effective to utilize all the resources that an organization possesses. 

7. Holding everyone accountable.  Empowering and enabling participants to "walk the talk" during and after the retreat brings accountability to the outcomes of the retreat.  The message that everyone is expected to take action during and after the retreat sends a clear and distinctive message. 

8. Thinking Outside of the Box.  Retreats should not be made of the stuff of managers meetings.  Often time's retreats are considered boring and wasteful of time and limited budgets.  Taking your team to off-site locations, engaging the attendees in physical exercises, simulations and experiential activities bring energy, excite and involvement to the retreat. 

9. Having Fun.  My research, after having conducted numerous retreats, indicate that when topics and initiatives are dealt in a fun and interactive manner, the attendees view the time spent as valuable and memorable.  The end result is the changing of behaviors of the participants towards the learning objectives. 

10. The Facilitators Role.  The selection of the individual(s) who will facilitate the event is critical to the success of the event.  The ability to be unbiased, to involve all the participants, to challenge the attendees and possess the skills of facilitation are just a few of the necessary skills.  Involving the facilitator during the development of the nine above principles can make all the difference.