Retreat to Advance:Promoting a Culture of Change

Dale VidmarHannon Library

Southern Oregon Universityvidmar@sou.edu

Connie AndersonHannon Library

Southern Oregon Universityanderson@sou.edu

http://www.sou.edu/~vidmar/ola2006

Oregon Library Association Conference 2006April 7, 2006

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Goals for Presentation

Participants will: Understand the benefits of having an

organization retreat Learn to how to plan and organize a

retreat Experience a variety of retreat activities in

a learn by doing workshop

Retreat Activity #1

The WelcomeBrief – No more than 5 minutesGreeting and Call to OrderWhy we are here – Goals Set the toneArticulate intentions – design is

more of a game plan than a detailed script

Meeting vs. Retreat

Isn’t a retreat just another extra long meeting?

Meeting vs. Retreat

1. Usually onsite2. An hour or two3. Exchange information or

make decision4. Outcomes predictable5. Low Risk6. Task oriented7. Low capacity for change8. Little emotional effort

1. Typically offsite2. Day-long or longer3. Explore issues or plan for

the future 4. Outcomes unpredictable5. High Risk6. Process oriented7. High capacity for change8. Emotionally intense

Meeting Retreat

Retreat Activity #2

Individual Check-InParticipants discuss their

expectations and/or concernsIntroductions if people do not know

each otherWhat do you hope to take away from

today? (Existential Question – Why am I here?)

Types of Retreats

What We DoImproving our Day to Day OperationsCreating Library Goals for the Year, Mission

Statement Work on a Specific Topic – Instruction,

Reference, OCLC, etc.VisioningStrategic Planning

Types of Retreats

How We Do What We Do Improving the Underlying Structure of the

Organization Change the OrganizationGrease the WheelsTeam BuildingCommunication Skills Fun, enjoyment, socializing, and bonding

Retreat Activity #3

Ground RulesExamples Speakers should raise hands Las Vegas Rule! – What happens

here, stays here!Develop ground rules for today!

Think, Pair, Share!

Top Ten Reasons to Have a Retreat

10. Make tough decisions 9. Accomplish something that

cannot be done by the leader alone. 8. Create a collective vision 7. Change your organizational

culture or improve relationships

Top Ten Reasons to Have a Retreat

6. Correct course when things are going wrong

5. Change perceptions, attitudes, and behavior

4. Foster change3. Harness collective creativity2. Explore fundamental concerns

Top Ten Reasons to Have a Retreat

1. At most libraries we are so busy doing what we do that we do not take the time to think about how we do it- adapted from Campbell, Liteman, and Sugar

Retreats that Work (2003)

“Good retreats are a lot of fun. They are not serious, plodding, heavy things. People laugh, people engage their creativity. Even when you are designing with that fun in mind, it should be for business’ sake. Let it be about business.”

– Merianne Liteman from Sound the Retreat by Douglas P. Shuit

The Bottom Line

Retreat Activity #4

The Ice BreakerCreate the Mood Get into the Right Frame of MindLaw of Primacy – we remember what we do

first best, so choose carefullyLet’s Do One – The Human Map

Planning a Retreat

Who does what – organization of a retreat team

Plan early – 6 to 9 months ahead Cost: Typical Budget

Facility Facilitator Food, drink, etc.

Location – offsite vs. onsite

Planning a Retreat

Facilitator – neutral participant Plans and designs the course of action Encourages participation and

accomplishment Unpacks activities Moderates the flow of ideas and

personalities Summarizes and ensures follow-up

Retreat Activity #5

The EnergizerMidcourse exerciseInspire involvementStimulate group Physical activityNot necessarily planned –

implemented at a moments notice

Experiential Learning Activities

Content SegmentsMajor activities of the retreatExplorations into the organizationTime-consumingChallengingNeed variety and flexibility to maintain

interest and energy

Experiential Learning Activities

ChangeCommunicationConflict ManagementCreativityDecision MakingDiversityGoal Setting

LeadershipNegotiationPerceptionsPlanningProblem SolvingResource UseTeam Dynamics

Topic Areas:

Retreat Activity #6Experiential Learning Activity

Obstacle Busters Create subgroups of 5 or 6On a piece of paper, make a list of obstacles to

having a retreat or having a successful retreat (5 minutes)

Choose one or two obstacles and list actions that you could take to overcome these obstacles (10 minutes)

Report backWhat did you take away from this activity?

Review of Retreat Activities

1. Welcome2. Individual Check-In3. Ground Rules4. Ice Breaker5. Energizer6. Experiential Learning Activities7. Closing and Assessment

Retreat Activity #7

Closing and Assessment What did you learn today?Name something you can take

with you and do when you return to work.

Something that surprised you!

Retreat to Advance:Promoting a Culture of Change

Dale VidmarHannon Library

Southern Oregon Universityvidmar@sou.edu

Connie AndersonHannon Library

Southern Oregon Universityanderson@sou.edu

http://www.sou.edu/~vidmar/ola2006

Oregon Library Association Conference 2006April 7, 2006

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