The best executive retreats

Keep it focused on a few decisions that need senior attention rather than a long list of topics. Agree the goals with participants beforehand and give each session a clear outcome. Leave unscheduled time for conversations and walks, because many useful discussions happen outside the formal programme. End with a short list of actions and owners.

Leadership offsites usually work best with a small group, often 8 to 20 people, so everyone can contribute. Most run one to three days. One day suits a single topic, while two or three days give room for strategy, open discussion and some time together. Allow for travel time at both ends, and tell the venue your numbers early.

Think about travel time first, then privacy. A venue outside the city, or one that can offer a private room or the whole property, keeps people focused and avoids chance meetings with outsiders. Ask about confidentiality, how meals are served and where urgent calls can be taken, so the main sessions stay uninterrupted.

It helps when the topics are sensitive or the group is senior enough that nobody wants to chair the discussion themselves. A neutral facilitator keeps time, draws out quieter voices and lets the leaders take part as participants. For a simple planning day, an internal chair may be enough. Decide early and brief the facilitator on goals.