Like painting your house
or creating a share portfolio, a great result is only possible if the
preparation is done well.
T|M|G offers a diverse and flexible approach to preparing for
a strategy conference or management 'off-site' that delivers an extraordinarily
high level of value for an incredibly modest, practical use of consultants.
Have you ever
participated in a strategy conference or management ‘off-site’ where
conversations are repeatedly truncated because the information available or
depth of understanding on a topic is inadequate? Have you ever been called upon for input at
the meeting on a subject and felt it would have been far better if you had been
able to prepare for the question prior to the meeting? Have you ever felt like assumptions are being
made to readily, on too little information, just to arrive at strategy
conclusions? Have you ever found
yourself in one of these meetings thinking "We are just not ready to have this
meeting"? Have you ever wished more
effort had been put into the preparation?
The ideal strategy conference begins with the consideration of 8 requirements;
Clear expectations - the purpose of the conference, its output requirements and format, time frame to cover, scale of achievement anticipated and leadership or other roles to be played by participants during the conference. Allow people to become comfortable with what is to be achieved.
Participants and their roles made clear - made clear well prior
so participants can prepare adequately and fully and add the value they
want to contribute. This includes the role of the CEO and T|M|G as facilitator.
A clear strategy making process - one that is clear about which frameworks and models will be used and what format the output will take. A process that spells out what information and analysis will be used as formal input (to which will be added emergent input during the conference) and how it will be shared and socialised prior to the conference. A process that is clear about what is to happen before, during and after the conference - making the role of the conference really clear.
Time to prepare - this is critical. You don't want long presentations at the conference, these should be done prior - via web, teleconference or face to face, so particpants have time to digest and consider matters. If there are burning platforms, critical financials or important research or analysis input, participants should have had time to consider and question these - you don't want long winded debates or endless questioning of input data at the conference itself - get it out of the way prior. Make sure people are prepared.
Participants and their roles made clear - made clear well prior so participants can prepare adequately and fully and add the value they want to contribute. This includes the role of the CEO and T|M|G as facilitator.
A clear agenda - one which makes it clear who will lead what segments or issues. The T|M|G methodology involves us in leading very few sessions but rather, supporting those who lead and acting as the group's moderator, container of enxiety and . Once the conference is underway, T|M|G will be more involved in supporting members of the management team with their leadership and in ensuring the full engagement and input from all participants.
An encouraging environment - one that has the physical space, facilities and time to allow people to work effectively. If break out groups are going to prepare input, they need some reasonable space and tools to do so. THe room needs to be large enough to accommodate everyone, thier laptop and papers, without being squashed. Windows, the chance to break out into fresh air or walk and talk can be important to keeping energy levels up, as can having light food. If the issues are intense and urgent, then make the breaks pleasant, people need respite to maintain the intensity.
Realistic expectations - ones that recognise the resources and skills of the people particiipating. Expectations that fit the time frame and the information avaiilable. Expectations that are informed by the Board or shareholders as clearly and openly as possible.
Cleared decks - not just that people can focus on the strategy, but that continuing conflicts, debates or roadblocks, to the greatest extent possible, are resolved prior nto the conference.
As with the painting of a house or investing in shares, the T|M|G approach to strategy conferences is what delivers the great strategic result. Painting the house or buying shares is easy,
if the preparation is done really well.If you'd like to know more about what is involved, so you can conisder your options, please contact us.
Like painting your house
or creating a share portfolio, a great result is only possible if the
preparation is done well.
T|M|G offers a diverse and flexible approach to preparing for
a strategy conference or management 'off-site' that delivers an extraordinarily
high level of value for an incredibly modest, practical use of consultants.
Have you ever
participated in a strategy conference or management ‘off-site’ where
conversations are repeatedly truncated because the information available or
depth of understanding on a topic is inadequate? Have you ever been called upon for input at
the meeting on a subject and felt it would have been far better if you had been
able to prepare for the question prior to the meeting? Have you ever felt like assumptions are being
made to readily, on too little information, just to arrive at strategy
conclusions? Have you ever found
yourself in one of these meetings thinking "We are just not ready to have this
meeting"? Have you ever wished more
effort had been put into the preparation?
As with the painting of a house or investing in shares, the T|M|G approach to strategy conferences is what delivers the great strategic result. Painting the house or buying shares is easy,
if the preparation is done really well.
If you'd like to know more about what is involved, so you can conisder your options, please contact us.
