As in the past many years, I entered 2020 with a full schedule of strategy and
Luckily, we have been working with clients around the world for years doing strategy work, plan reviews, accountability and executive coaching, so we were already masters at using virtual platforms effectively. We very quickly worked internally to make a few adjustments to facilitate two- and three-day planning sessions virtually using the Zoom platform. Interesting enough, the results have been outstanding, and we have received feedback time and time again that these have been some of the best planning experiences the teams have ever had and that they developed some of the most detailed, focused and effective plans to date. I think part of the reason is that everyone is using video, and the setting is extremely intimate and focused. We have also found that most sessions run more efficiently.
Here are some of the tips we provide to our clients as we prepare for the meetings:
Click here to view the document we share with the invite for even more tips to make your meeting successful.
I have found that there is nothing you can’t accomplish virtually that you can when planning in-person. I have facilitated work on long-term strategies by helping clients develop or refine BHAGs, 3-5 year strategies for growth and profitability, brand promise/guarantees as well as core purpose and values.
I have also facilitated numerous annual and quarterly execution plans. The plans are extremely focused, detailed and complete with outcome-based success criteria.
The Zoom format has also allowed some additional flexibility to break the sessions apart to allow time to work on the plans in between. This is particularly helpful when working on strategic items to give people time to think and do additional research.
Everything you read and hear about how we continue to do business will be forever changed. I agree, and although some things will go back to the way they were, others will rely on new approaches. That’s innovation, and I love it! As nice as it is to get together face-to-face, it is not always necessary, realistic or cost effective. There will still be challenges as we go through the first few quarters of the year. Whatever you do, please do not put off your planning sessions. Using a platform like Zoom and doing your planning virtually will produce excellent results when you set the team up for success and have a good, experienced facilitator.
Best wishes for a successful 2021, and plan well. - Alan
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