December 2025 Executive Retreat

Rules of Engagement

Professional Facilitation Model

Rules of Engagement

This is a hybrid of facilitated and self-directed working session designed to maximize collaboration, creativity, and commitment. Our approach uses proven facilitation principles to ensure we make the most of our time together.

Scan
Focus
Act

Our 2-day journey: Understanding landscape → Prioritizing actions → Building commitment

8 Core Principles

Full Presence Required

No laptops open during sessions (note-takers excepted). Cell phones silenced and stored. Breaks provided for urgent communications.

What this means: When we're in session, we're fully engaged with each other and the work.

Time-Boxed Work Blocks

Sessions run as structured working blocks with clear time boundaries. Facilitators manage energy and momentum while keeping us on schedule.

What this means: We focus on outcomes and stick to schedules. The clock will drive the work, not the other way around.

Hybrid of Facilitated and Self-Directed

A blend of guided facilitation and self-directed work. Clear instructions before each activity. Visible timekeeping. Active harvesting of outputs.

What this means: Some sessions are facilitator-led, others are self-directed team work. You'll know which is which.

Diverge-Converge Rhythm

Small group work (5-6 people) for divergent thinking. Full group reconvenes for convergent synthesis. Multiple cycles per day.

What this means: We generate ideas in small groups, then integrate and decide as a full team.

Equal Voice

All perspectives valued equally. No rank in the room during working sessions. Building on ideas, not critiquing.

What this means: Everyone's input matters. We build on "Yes, and..." not "Yes, but..."

Visible Work

Outputs captured on flip charts, templates, digital boards. Photographed and synthesized in real-time. Nothing leaves the room undocumented.

What this means: Every idea, decision, and action item is captured and shared.

Action Orientation

Every discussion ends with "So what? Now what?" Owners and dates assigned before leaving topics. No parking lot items without resolution path.

What this means: We leave with clear commitments, not open questions.

Energy Management

Standing work when energy drops. Movement between activities. Snacks and refreshments available. Fresh air breaks.

What this means: We pace ourselves for sustained productivity across both days.

Breakout Group Structure

24
Total Attendees
4
Breakout Groups
6
People per Group

Groups are composed of mixed industry and practice backgrounds to maximize cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives.

Quick Reference

DO

  • Engage fully in discussions
  • Build on others' ideas
  • Capture key points visibly
  • Speak up with your perspective
  • Take breaks when needed
  • Stay curious and open

DON'T

  • Check email during sessions
  • Dominate conversations
  • Dismiss ideas prematurely
  • Leave discussions unresolved
  • Side-channel during plenaries
  • Leave without clear next steps

Ready to Get Started?

Review the agenda to see how these principles come to life across our 2-day session.