Working for an association means facing a never-ending to-do list—everything from churning out a weekly newsletter to collecting unpaid invoices to updating databases. Often, it feels like we’re constantly chasing our tails, just trying to catch up. Whether you’re a team of two or 100, the feeling of being on a hamster wheel is the same.
Individually, finding time for some white space is important. Finding that time together as a team is even more critical.
When your team doesn’t hit pause every so often, your association can stall or even move backward. Team morale can suffer, staff members can begin working in silos, and before you know it, you’re just churning out more and more of the same without taking time to think strategically about the future.
Why does this happen? Well, the day-to-day tasks that keep us busy from 9 to 5 can feel all-consuming. And while those tasks must get done and are critical to the organization’s success, they don’t necessarily move your association forward strategically.
Taking time to step away from the association world’s daily routine as a team can be some of the most valuable time you set aside. A team retreat gives everyone a chance to breathe, reconnect with one another, and spark new ideas and renewed passion for the year ahead.
A retreat also provides an opportunity to celebrate individual and team successes. It gives everyone a chance to step outside the day-to-day routine and imagine what your association could become if there were no limitations. What would you do differently? What new ideas would you pursue? What could you accomplish if you weren’t so focused on the next item on your to-do list?
For most teams, hosting a staff retreat doesn’t have to involve large budgets and long hours spent planning. Sure, it’s wonderful to take your team someplace fun and exciting, but if you don’t have the budget for something extravagant, don’t let that stop you. The time spent together is what matters most. You can build fun and creativity into a retreat without spending a lot of money. Not sure where to start? Give your team a budget and ask them what they’d like to do. You might be surprised by their ideas.
Once you’ve planned your retreat, make sure you don’t spend the day rehashing the same operational issues you discuss every week. Instead, focus on topics that inspire your team, encourage creativity, and give everyone permission to dream a little. Create an environment where all ideas are welcome and everyone has a voice. Also ensure you’re taking time to recognize some major successes the team has achieved, including individual shout-outs, “wins” from the past year, and goals the team has hit or surpassed, inspiring new goals and ideas that utilize the strengths of your staff.
Then, before the day is over, identify a few of the best ideas that emerged and develop a plan to make them happen. After all, a retreat shouldn’t just leave everyone feeling good for a day. It should lead to something meaningful.
Stepping off the hamster wheel from time to time can leave your team feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to make a greater impact. And sometimes, the best way to move your association forward is to stop moving long enough to figure out where you want to go.
Wendy King, CAE, CVA
Wendy King joined RGI in 2020 and currently serves as Executive Director of the International Order of the Golden Rule. In this role, she partners closely with the board of directors to guide strategic planning and advance the association’s mission. Bringing in extensive experience in marketing and public relations, event strategy, and fundraising across trade associations, her goal has always been to turn big visions into reality.