An ideal format for bringing family business principals to
evaluate the year's activities and conduct planning is a business retreat.
Weekend meetings have been found to be energizing and productive. One favored
format is a three-day weekend. Friday afternoon and Saturday mornings are
devoted to work sessions while the afternoons are open for family-related
activities.
It isn't necessary to schedule a retreat out of town. However,
it is important to consider the value of a new or different setting away from
the office to allow for relaxation. The purpose here is to eliminate the
possibility of interruption via cellular phones or visits from local business
managers.
The retreat is structured around the major items of the overall
agenda. In order to have everyone participate, ground rules are established
which allow for open expression of concerns. In addition, a colleague of Dr.
Northington will be present to take notes to record opinions, decisions and
work plans. The last session of the retreat will be dedicated to structuring
time frames for decisions and ongoing methods of communication.
Dr. Northington will, with a representative of the family, help
plan the retreat and ensure that every person be contacted ahead of time before
the agenda is drawn up.
Marshall W. Northington, Ph.D.
San Rafael Medical Town Offices
6612 East Carondelet Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85710 USA
Telephone: 520-886-6588
Fax: 520-885-6500
E-mail: career2@mindspring.com