The many uses of a strategic planning facilitator. And the key qualities and skills to look for when selecting one.

A professional, external facilitator can provide heaps of valuable support with an organisation’s strategic thinking and planning. More and more Boards and CEOs now use one. But exactly what potential uses can such a facilitator serve – beyond perhaps just the usual perception of someone running a workshop or meeting? Read more…

12 benefits of hiring an external strategy facilitator for a Board or strategic planning meeting/away-day.

Here are a dozen reasons for hiring a professional, external strategy facilitator, rather than using an internal staff member or Board member to take on the role: 1) Independence: An external facilitator will bring a detached, ‘outside-in’ perspective. In contrast, an ‘internal’ facilitator will struggle to see things as objectively: Read more…

Virtual strategy meetings: how to facilitate a strategic planning or executive away-day meeting online

Dedicated in-person strategic ‘away-day’ meetings have long been a regular event in the diary for Board members or senior staff at many organisations. Sadly, of course the coronavirus has made such meetings inappropriate, so leaders have had to get used to holding virtual meetings, which can be more challenging. So, Read more…

strategic planning

Strategic facilitator Mike Owen’s 12 ‘must-do’ tips for a successful strategy or Board away-day meeting

For any Board, executive or senior management team it is vital to spend dedicated time together at periodic intervals to reflect, think and plan. Normal, routine meetings won’t do because they typically have a crammed agenda and there is usually not enough ‘quality’ time available to focus and engage in Read more…