STRATEGY WORKSHOP

Strategy workshops can be very effective in driving collaborative solutions and decisions. Yet, they can also be a big waste of time if the prework and facilitation aren't up to par. The key to effective and efficient strategy workshops getting the prework right, strong facilitation, and action-oriented follow-up. If you have these three elements of a strategy workshop covered, you'll elevate collaborative problem solving and decision-making.

For over 25 years, I've been working with clients preparing for and conducting successful strategy workshops on a myriad of topics. I did my fair share of workshops while at McKinsey and Oliver Wyman and I have taken it to the next level with my Stratechi clients. I collaborate with my clients to understand the decisions and solutions they are looking for in a workshop, develop the necessary pre-workshop materials, facilitate a productive, engaging, and insightful workshop, synthesize the results and follow-up action items, and ensure the intended impact is realized.

If you are looking for an experienced partner to help with the prework, facilitation, and follow-up needed for a successful workshop, email me at joe@stratechi.com and we'll collaborate on scoping out your strategy workshop.

Strategy Workshop Prework

The first phase of a strategy workshop is the prework to create the foundation for a successful workshop. During this phase, we will work closely to define the desired outcomes and output of the workshop. Next, we will talk through the dynamics and strategies to make a productive and positive workshop. We may conduct a series of structured interviews and/or deploy Stratechi's leadership strategy survey to better understand the perspectives of the participants. We will then start building out the agenda, and materials, and brainstorm the activities to maximize the collaboration, focus, and results of the workshop. If needed, we will also assign pre-workshop homework to participants to get them thinking about the workshop topics.

Workshop Facilitation

Given my experience, objectivity, and being a neutral party, I often facilitate the actual workshop. We will strategize on the best format and location for the workshop. Workshops are typically 6-8 hours long with some being 2 days. During the workshop, I focus on increasing engagement, creativity, and collaboration through a series of prompts, exercises, and questions. I've built a pretty effective skill set in getting everyone to contribute and creating a fun environment while driving insights and efficiently progressing through the agenda. Given today's environment, I do a fair number of virtual workshops, though the results are typically better with in-person workshops.

Workshop Follow-up

The key to driving impact from a workshop is the follow-up. I work with the team to synthesize the workshop findings and results. Then we prioritize and assign the action items to participants and drive to next steps. I typically help facilitate any follow-up meetings and governance to ensure accountability, results, and continued momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics can you cover in a workshop?

Given my strategy and executive background, I cover most strategy and strategic planning topics, including corporate strategy, marketing, sales, operations, growth, organizational design and strategy, business model design, mission and values, annual planning, and more. I also do situational workshops when there is a problem that needs to be solved or an opportunity that needs to be better defined and actioned.

What are the typical fees charged for a workshop?

Every workshop is slightly different in terms of necessary prework, length, and follow-up effort, so I simply charge clients by the hour at a rate of $295 per hour.

How much lead time do you need?

I've done workshops with less than a week's notice, but typically prefer at least a few weeks to do the proper prework to ensure a successful workshop.

How do I get started?

You can schedule an hour with me above. If you have some questions about workshop facilitation, you can email me at joe@stratechi.com.

I appreciate the consideration and I hope I can support you in creating and running an impactful workshop!

Are sessions confidential?

Of course. I am bound to this confidentiality agreement with every paying Stratechi.com client.

How do clients pay for services?

For strategy workshop clients, we typically start with a block of hours paid by credit card and then move to an invoice for services rendered.