DIY Tools for APF Board Strategy Retreat
Planning a board retreat to set new strategic direction for the Australian Pituitary Foundation was a daunting task due to the vexed issues we were addressing and the strong personalities involved.
Fortunately, we found a DIY facilitation process that enabled us to plan an effective program and run a truly productive weekend retreat. This has helped us overcome personal differences, build trust, address a wide range of issues and make strategic decisions that have since been implemented.
- - -
Meeting design
 In the early stages of our planning, we engaged the services of FAST Meetings Co. We began with the Meeting by Design service that helped us alter our view of the approach we were taking. In the space of 2 one hour meetings, we developed an agenda that included some important distinctions and gave us confidence as we approached the retreat. Importantly, we saw the significance of putting relationship first. We also acknowledged that there are more effective ways of 16 people communicating than in a single U shaped forum. Rather than controlling the meeting, the traditional structure can lead to the meeting getting out of control.
Meeting delivery
 Saturday morning of the retreat arrived, and we kicked off with the first half-day being conducted by one of FAST Meeting Co.'s experienced facilitators.
By lunchtime on Saturday, the FAST Facilitator had helped us to really open up the communication across the group, allowing us to raise a range of issues and re-connect to our mission. The fast moving, interactive processes were impressive in their ability to facilitate relationship building whilst also addressing the task at hand.
Perhaps most importantly, the facilitator left us with an agreed set of processes that we could use for the remainder of the weekend. By committing to a recognised process, we gained greater ownership and various members of the group took responsibility to facilitate sessions for the remainder of the meeting.
Whilst it might have been ideal to have the facilitator stay on, the DIY approached empowered us and we kicked on with very productive discussion. Toward the end of Saturday, we used a tool called The Great Wall, which encapsulated a myriad of issues and opportunities into 4 Strrategic Themes.
Following a brief telphone coaching input from the FAST Facilitator on Saturday evening, we were set to deal with each of the 4 themes in various ways on the Sunday.
The second day dawned and we continued in the same vein, using tools such as Conference Cafe' and Strategy in Action templates to achieve focussed plans for implementation.
Meeting outcomes
Since the meeting, ....
Looking back, what we achieved in the weekend was surprisingly effortless and highly productive. A key insight we gained is that overall structures of the meeting have a significant impact on the experience and results.
Through simple distinctions and better meeting processes, we were able to create a much more engaging result for all participants. WIth significant but minimal help, the DIY approach has empowered us to continue with these new meetings structures in subsequent gatherings
Catherine Wormald
National Chairperson
|
