Strategic Meetings for your Company- Why and How?
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” – Abraham Lincoln
We recently held a company strategic meeting. Previously, we had done this in a windowless room, but this time I requested a room with windows. A simple change in the environment can make a big difference in clarity and productivity.
Spending time on company strategy is non-negotiable. Strategy is the rudder of your company—without it, your company is aimless.
Tips for Setting Up a Strategy Meeting
Strategic meetings can be intense. To maximize creativity, focus, and outcomes, practice certain habits to boost the energy of the group while maintaining efficiency.
1. Tone
Start with an intention of collaboration and mutual respect. Leave egos at the door. Encourage everyone to focus on shared goals, not individual agendas.
2. Focus
Put your cell phone away. This is your time to be present and focus entirely on the task at hand. (Pro tip: Consider tools like focus timer apps to help maintain productivity in the workplace.)
3. Where
The setting matters. Opt for a comfortable environment with friendly lighting and windows where you can see the sky or a natural setting. Natural light has been proven to improve mood and productivity, as explained in this Harvard Business Review article on workplace design.
4. Length
Keep meetings concise—4-5 hours should suffice. If more time is needed, break it into multiple sessions instead of extending a single meeting. This helps prevent fatigue and keeps the team energized.
5. Health
Take frequent breaks, and ensure healthy food options are available. Avoid heavy meals that might lead to sluggishness. If you’re looking for ideas, check out these healthy snack options for meetings.
Getting Maximum Results from Your Strategic Meeting
Meetings should not just be gatherings—they must lead to actionable outcomes. To make the most of your strategic meetings:
- Take Notes and Feedback: Capture key ideas and feedback. Use tools like Asana or Trello to track actionable items.
- Follow Through: Set up regular follow-ups. One-hour meetings, held monthly, are advisable to track progress on actionable items. This ensures your strategic meetings lead to meaningful results.
Why Are Strategic Meetings Important?
Strategic meetings provide essential direction and structure for a company. Here are the key reasons why these meetings are vital:
Direction and Vision
A well-defined strategy offers a clear direction, aligning all employees toward common goals. For tips on setting a compelling vision, check out Simon Sinek’s TED Talk.
Resource Allocation
Strategy helps prioritize the allocation of resources—time, money, and personnel—to achieve the best outcomes.
Competitive Advantage
Analyzing the market and understanding competitors enables a company to identify its strengths and develop a competitive edge. For industry insights, HubSpot’s Marketing Blog is a great resource.
Risk Management
Strategic planning allows companies to foresee potential challenges and take proactive measures rather than reactive responses. Learn more about risk management strategies here.
Adaptability
Revisiting and refining strategy helps companies adapt to changing market conditions, customer needs, and technological trends.
Performance Measurement
A strong strategy provides benchmarks for measuring performance, enabling your team to track progress and adjust as needed.
Stakeholder Communication
A clear strategy communicates your company’s goals to stakeholders, building trust and engagement. For tips on effective communication, explore this guide to stakeholder management.
In Summary
Investing time in developing and refining your company strategy is essential for long-term success in a dynamic business environment. If you don’t set a clear path for where your company is headed, you might end up anywhere—or nowhere.
Start small, stay consistent, and ensure that every meeting leads to progress. For additional resources on creating and refining your strategy, explore the 420 CPA Blog for actionable tips and insights.
