Originally
Published MX March/April 2002

BUSINESS PLANNING
& TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Planning with
a Purpose

Before going to
all the trouble and expense of planning an executive retreat, company leaders
should ensure that they have a definite purpose in mind for such an event. Once
defined, the purpose of the retreat will determine the ways that many other
aspects of the event are carried out. Following are just a few of the purposes
for which retreats are commonly used.

• Exchange information
  and obtain updates.
• Address or resolve
  a particular problem or set of related problems.
• Obtain team
  reaction to specific ideas or opportunities.
• Brainstorm and
  generate ideas.
• Develop and
  document a strategic plan.
• Develop and
  document a tactical plan.
• Build team relationships.
• Listen to customer
  feedback and build customer relationships.
• Explore strategic
  partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions.

Copyright ©2002
MX