I recently designed and led a day-long retreat for a task force team. Participants were internal and external to the organization and represented all levels of leadership and experience.

As I reflected upon the day, I measured how closely the retreat matched my intent. I’d love to share my design process with you. 

My design POV: I never lose sight of the fact that the experience will be lived through all the participants. Success will be determined by their experience. Key aspects are:

1.      Consider how space, time, and energy will be used throughout the day.  

Visualize participants moving through the room during the day. What type of Space is needed to achieve the day’s goals? Is it the right size for the number of participants? Is the space welcoming? Is there enough light? (A little natural light works wonders!) Can the desks/tables be easily rearranged during the day to meet the requirements of different activities?

Visualize participants fully engaged in each activity. How much Time is needed for each? Consider that each person might have different ways to focus themselves for each activity. Think about the order of each activity. Create a varied tempo for the day, planning and contrasting shorter and longer activities strategically.

Visualize participants responding and interacting with each activity and each other. How is the Energy in the room rising and calming? This is the place in your planning to consider how the brain is being used throughout the day. Do the activities tap on resources from both sides – left side: speaking, reasoning, sequential thinking and right side: abstract meaning, visual information, imagination?

2.      Plan for both intellectual and emotional experiences.

After setting content goals for the day, think about how they will be experienced. Strategically time brain and lunch breaks. Make sure participants can interact with different people throughout the day.  Consider using music to deepen the experience of specific activities. Think about how visuals and media can be used to invite creativity and innovation. How will participants feel at the end of the day? Inspired? Tired? Spurred into action? Overwhelmed? Frustrated? Like a powerful team? Do participants feel they have contributed in a meaningful way?

To me, Professional Development is a great way to build a culture of learning and collaboration within an organization. It is an art form because it brings people and content together with intention and creativity.  I’d love to know your strategies for aligning design and implementation in PD.