I would be willing to guess most of us think that a creative retreat is a good idea. Whether it’s just you or the whole team, it’s worth more than anything it would actually “cost” you while out of the office to take the time to recharge, get inspired, and to just have fun and be creative. Sadly, more times than not, it just doesn’t happen. Here are some thoughts to change that and help your retreat be successful.

1) PLAN IT
Just having the idea for a retreat or getting together with some Play Doh is not going to make your getaway successful. Plan it like you would a project. Set a goal, a strategy, a time line, and create a great structure to the day. Most importantly, get a date on the calendar so it actually happens, and plan your projects around it.

2) INCLUDE EVERYBODY
Once you have your plan, share some of your ideas with the team. Get their thoughts and suggestions and allow everyone to be a part of it in someway. If you have a big group, consider splitting the day up and let different people own different activities to help run the day. The more involvement and organization the better your retreat can be.

3) GET OUT OF YOUR OFFICE
Equally important to the agenda, planning and goal of the day is the location. Whenever possible, go off site. Some places may have a slight fee, so be creative with where to look if that is a hindrance. Consider a local park, library, community center, museum or favorite restaurant. If those aren’t right for the whole gig, add an extra little field trip to the retreat to foster team building. Consider bowling, outside creative assignment, or a great place to eat.

4) PRIME YOUR TEAM FOR INSPIRATION
Once you have the day planned, send out an agenda to all participants to get them excited. Additionally, depending on your goals, you can start promoting the day by asking questions, giving early assignments, or telling them what they need to do to prep. This will help all involved realize that this is a day to take seriously, but also one that will be fun.

5) ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO DISCUSS, REVIEW, AND HAVE FUN
Like most things in life, your retreat will only be as good as you plan it. And a bad retreat will do more harm than good, so take it seriously. In fact make sure that you have all involved give you feedback on the day. Ask them what they thought, what they enjoyed and what they would change for your next one. Use those suggestions and ideas in planning your next retreat.

In the coming weeks we will share some activities for a retreat or creative exercise. Until then, tell us if you have retreats. If so what are some tips, or maybe some missteps from your experience?

#61 Think bigger & think beyond the world of design. Participate as a team in a community event that will impact others & escape the studio!

Admittedly this year I have been more stressed than usual. I think most of us have, due to the current state of things. Busy or not, it has just been an odd year so far. I’ve found that doing something to benefit others, more than anything gives perspective, but also helps to get my mind off the minutia of work, bills, clients, etc. Better yet, rather than doing something just yourself, get your team involved with an event or cause you all can rally around and be a part of.

Now I’m not talking about pro-bono work, or some design project, I’m talking about something completely different. Help raise money by doing a walk, ride, or run, or volunteer at a food bank – something other than a design project is the best. Now admittedly I have not done this yet with my team yet, only with family members and friends, but I plan to.

Their is no better “team builder” than doing something for someone else. Some of you may already… what do you do? Or what events can you recommend?