EPISODE: 207 – Should Your Shop Have a Team Retreat?
Let’s be real. Your team probably needs a break more than they need another meeting.
Brian and Kim Walker talk about their fifth annual team retreat, why they intentionally do almost no work during it, and how getting away together has helped their remote team reconnect, rest, laugh, and build real culture. Whether you take your shop team to the beach, the mountains, a conference Airbnb, or just your backyard for a barbecue, this episode will get you thinking about what it looks like to truly retreat.
Listen to the full episode and start thinking about how you can give your team space to reset, reconnect, and come back stronger.
Timestamps
Introduction to Team Retreats (00:00:09) The hosts introduce the topic of company team retreats and share that they just returned from their fifth annual one.
The “First Annual” Debate (00:01:04) A humorous debate on the correct terminology for a first-time event, with “inaugural” being the preferred term over “first annual.”
The Origin and Location of the Retreat (00:02:20) The retreat idea came from a coach. The team has gone to a beach house in Grayton Beach, Florida for five years.
What is a Retreat? (00:03:17) Kim defines their retreat as a non-working getaway focused on relaxation and in-person connection, not meetings or work tasks.
Retreat Activities and Team Bonding (00:06:22) The team enjoys eating, playing games, riding bikes, and getting massages. The focus is on relaxing and having fun together.
The True Meaning of “Retreat” (00:07:35) Brian shares the dictionary definitions of “retreat,” emphasizing withdrawal, refuge, and getting away from the daily grind of work.
The Importance of Unscheduled Downtime (00:08:57) Rainy weather forced the team to slow down and rest, which proved to be exactly what they needed to recharge.
The Power of Taking a Break (00:11:02) The hosts share a personal vacation experience, highlighting how essential it is for leaders to slow down and truly rest.
The ROI of a Retreat (00:17:05) While expensive, the hosts believe the return on investment from team bonding and rejuvenation is priceless and absolutely worth it.
Learning About Your Team (00:17:49) Playing trivia games helps team members learn surprising and fun personal stories about each other in a relaxed, informal setting.
Planning and Logistics (00:19:56) Tips on planning a retreat, including renting bikes, accommodating team needs, and figuring out what works for your specific group.
How to Start Your Own Retreat (00:21:02) You don’t have to go big. A retreat can start small, like a simple barbecue at your house on a Saturday.
Using Tools for Planning (00:21:22) Kim shares her planning process, including using Google Forms for preferences and ChatGPT to figure out complex rooming arrangements.
Managing Expectations (00:23:10) Understand that not every team member will be able to attend, and it’s important to be flexible and go with the flow.
A Valuable Company Culture Tool (00:24:03) A retreat can be a great culture builder and a recruiting tool, as potential hires are often attracted to the idea.
How to Get Planning Resources (00:25:20) The hosts offer to share their planning document with listeners who reach out via email or their Facebook group.
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