People & Lifestyle

Why Your Leadership Retreat Is Boring, Unsuccessful and Doesn’t Deliver Peak Performance – I

Published

5 months ago

December 5, 2023

Leadership retreats are usually less formal and unofficial, allowing staff members to let their hair down and relax in a fun atmosphere. For many organizations, leadership retreats are one of those things to be done at the end of the year; a box to be ticked off – something that has a statutory allocation. Often times, there is no intentionality to the execution of the leadership retreat, many things are allowed on the spur of the moment. Such events end up being flops owing to the discordant and incongruent nature of implementation. Perhaps, these annotated reasons could help decision-makers at corporations to right their wrongs when planning a corporate retreat.

There Is Little or No Intentionality

The idea that just because leadership retreats are informal, detailed planning should be ignored is comical at best. There is always a science to every madness. The management of human beings is both a science and an art. Desired outcomes should be matched with specific actions. What works for one organization might not work for another; you must develop a custom playbook based on the uniqueness of the organization you lead. The experience has to be well-curated; the activities should be designed to meet a specific need. It’s a form of counterprogramming; if the service culture in the organization is poor, games that foster courtesy could be used to subtly address that issue. Where certain members of staff have constituted themselves into rival groups, smart human resource managers can identify those in opposing camps and crossmatch them with one another such that each person is forced to partner with someone he or she wouldn’t ordinarily pair with if given a choice.

One of the tell-tale signs of the lack of coherence in a leadership retreat is the absence of moderators. Event hosts or comperes are not just faces that show up at corporate retreats, they are effectively executors of management’s agenda. Most of their utterances are not happenstance but a result of strategic debriefing on the objectives to be achieved. Many a times, we have seen comedians crack what could be terms an “inside joke” – a double entendre that on the surface appears innocuous but for those in the loop, they know it’s a subtle jab at a real-life situation. One of the perks of a third-party event host is the perceived neutrality; there would be less suspicious that the host is pandering towards any interest within the company. An event host can be one of the staff members but he or she mustn’t be too low on the corporate ladder so that utterances are not seen as disrespectful.

The Atmosphere Is No Different from The Workplace

There is typically a marked difference between the high-octane environment of the office and the ease of the great outdoors. Leadership retreats are not meant to be stressful or reminiscent of the rigours of the workplace. When activities or tone of communication connotes command or cohesion instead of consensus, team members, especially those that are the lower rungs of the corporate ladder tend to zone out. Why would anyone attend a retreat only to be constantly barked at by higher-ups? Titles and designations shouldn’t be so prominent in a leadership retreat, it makes people uneasy to, for example, crack jokes with their bosses. Nobody wants to get slammed with a query letter for going out of line. Leadership retreats are designed to ensure that the gap between team leaders and their team members is reduced not exacerbated.

When a leader is not self-assured, there is a very high tendency to use every possible opportunity at a retreat to remind everyone else that he or she is the boss. Thus, different antics that make others cower into their cocoons might be deployed. Also, when activities are seen more as tasks or chores, people begin to sense that there is a subtle power play going on. Such things dampen the mood and suck out the fun at retreats.

Toxic Work Culture

Most leadership retreats simply never work because the existing corporate culture disallows innovation. You cannot be promoting toxicity and expect a retreat to deliver value without addressing the elephant in the room. Are salaries being owed? Is nepotism driving promotions and opportunities instead of merits? Is there a prevalence of abuse of power or exploitation by higher-ups? Are the terms of service or working conditions at par or close to standard market rates? Do team members always engage in blame fixing? Are team members largely excuse manufactures?

Corporate retreats are essentially to get feedback from both sides; management getting input from staff members and staff members equally getting feedback from management. Organizing a lavish retreat should not be seen as a substitute for fixing the underlying challenges at the workplace. People would rather work for an organization that treats them well than for one that engages in what they would consider secondary issues. No discontent staff member would be excited to show up at a leadership retreat with the people responsible for his or her emotional state.

Next week, we will share the concluding part of the conversation.

ABOUT DR. ABIOLA SALAMI

Dr. Abiola Salami is the Convener of The Dr. Abiola Salami International Leadership Boot Camp and The Peak Performer^TM. He is the Principal Performance Strategist at CHAMP – a full scale professional services firm trusted by high performing business leaders for providing Executive Coaching, Workforce Development & Advisory Services to improve performance. You can reach him on hello@abiolachamp.com and connect with him @abiolachamp on all social media platforms.

People & Lifestyle

‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

Published

5 hours ago

April 27, 2024

VJ Scaro

In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

People & Lifestyle

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

Published

16 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: Celebrating 25 Years of Local and Global Impact.
Showing on @GTV_Ghana and streaming on all our social media platforms on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30PM.#Asanteman #OurCultureOurHeritage pic.twitter.com/g3u0Ql5q6i
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 26, 2024

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

People & Lifestyle

Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

Published

16 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
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Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

People & Lifestyle

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

Published

17 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

People & Lifestyle

Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

Published

17 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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People & Lifestyle

Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

Published

18 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented.

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.