Leadership development doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. In the whirlwind of quarterly goals, crisis management, and back-to-back meetings, carving out time to grow your leaders can feel like a luxury. But if you’re not investing in leadership, you’re not investing in the long-term health of your company. Period.
That’s why your next company retreat should be an opportunity to intentionally cultivate the people who steer the ship. We’re making the case for putting leadership development at the center of your next off-site company retreat!
The Real ROI of Leadership Development
Let’s start with the “why.” Companies that prioritize leadership development aren’t just being idealistic, they’re being strategic.
According to a survey by Mckinsey & Company, organizations with comprehensive leadership development programs are:
- 2.4 times more likely to hit performance targets
- 1.5 times more likely to be highly rated as a great place to work
- 1.9 times more likely to be innovation leaders in their industries
Translation? Investing in your leaders actually improves productivity, retention, and creativity. It’s like the organizational version of compound interest—the benefits keep growing over time.
And let’s not forget the human side of this. People want to grow. They want to be challenged. They want to feel like they’re becoming better versions of themselves. When your team sees you investing in their leadership journey, they become more engaged, more loyal, and more confident.
Why a Retreat Is the Best Place to Do It
You could squeeze a leadership training module into your already packed Monday, sure. Or you could leave the office, get out of reactive mode, and create an intentional space for learning and reflection. That’s where retreats come in.
Focus Without Distraction
Growth takes focus. At a retreat, you’re not juggling meetings, emails, or last-minute client fires. You’re surrounded by nature, removed from the chaos, and fully present. That’s when real breakthroughs happen.
Safe Space for Honest Conversations
Developing as a leader requires vulnerability. It’s hard to be open about your challenges in a boardroom where everyone’s wearing their “I’ve got this” face. At a retreat, people let their guard down. They open up. And that’s when teams begin to grow.
Built-In Opportunities for Team Building
At our northern Minnesota resort, you can pair leadership workshops with outdoor challenges like canoeing, hiking, or group cooking competitions. These activities reinforce lessons on communication, delegation, trust, and problem-solving in real-time.
What Leadership Development Can Look Like
Not all leadership development looks like a TED Talk or a laminated handout. Here’s how it can take shape during your retreat:
Self-Awareness Sessions
Use assessments like DiSC, StrengthsFinder, or Emotional Intelligence (EQ) tests to help leaders understand their unique styles and how they impact the team. Self-awareness is the foundation of all leadership.
Peer Feedback Rounds
Facilitate a structured, honest feedback session where team members offer praise and constructive input. These conversations, when done well, can shift team dynamics dramatically.
Scenario-Based Exercises
Give your leaders a realistic challenge to tackle in small groups—like navigating a crisis, handling team conflict, or launching a new product. Debrief afterward to draw out insights and best practices.
Coaching and Reflection Time
Allow space for one-on-one coaching or journaling. Pairing introspection with action planning ensures that insights turn into growth.
How to Create a Leadership Development-Focused Retreat
Want to build a leadership development retreat that’s as meaningful as it is memorable? Here’s what we suggest:
Define the Leadership Goals Up Front
Are you developing new managers? Strengthening collaboration at the C-suite level? Helping department heads transition from tactical to strategic roles? Define the audience and the outcomes you want.
Choose the Right Facilitator
Whether it’s someone from your team or a professional coach we help you bring in, you need a strong facilitator to guide the learning. Look for a retreat facilitator with credibility, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt in the moment.
Balance Learning with Experience
Don’t just sit in a circle and talk about leadership. Incorporate problem-solving games, outdoor challenges, or real business simulations. Leaders grow most through doing.
Build in Action Planning Time
Don’t wait until you’re back in the office. Set aside the final hours of the retreat for each participant to write down key takeaways and specific actions they’ll take when they return. Then have them share those plans with a peer to build accountability.
Follow Up After the Retreat
Growth doesn’t end when the campfire burns out. Schedule 30- and 90-day check-ins to see how leaders are progressing. Ask what’s sticking, what’s been hard, and what support they need.
Bonus: Leadership Development for Emerging Leaders
Leadership development isn’t just for people with “manager” in their title. Retreats are a great place to invest in emerging talent and those quiet high performers who are ready for more responsibility but haven’t been tapped yet. Bringing them into the fold early creates a culture of growth and signals that your company values internal development.
Get Leadership Growth with a Lakeside Setting
At Sugar Lake Lodge, we offer a one-of-a-kind backdrop for deep leadership work. Whether it’s a weekend getaway for your executive team or a three-day intensive for emerging leaders, we’ll help you create a customized experience that combines personal growth, team bonding, and strategic development—all with lakeside views and a whole lot less stress.
Ready to lead from the lake? Contact us to start planning your leadership development retreat today. We’ll help you create a program that grows your people and your business.