Swift Current | The power of unplugged leadership

No flip charts. No PowerPoint. No sticky notes.

Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. For this group of coaches, that’s practically heresy!

But here’s the twist: What followed were some of the richest conversations—talks about life, politics, aspirations, coaching, business strategy, AI, the Enneagram and other models and assessments some of us use, fears, and even effective ways to use coaching to positively impact big issues like homelessness.

We stepped away from the relentless “doing” and leaned into the art of “being.”

No agendas. No forced exercises. Just genuine connection, deep listening, and unhurried reflection.

Picture this: good food, better drinks, and conversations that flowed as naturally as the streams we strolled by.

Just a few prompts to get us going, and off we went—wandering through parks, soaking in nature, and exploring the charming streets of Blowing Rock, NC.

It was a fabulous couple of days with some of the best humans and coaches I know. And guess what? We came out of it more energized, more connected, and more inspired than any PowerPoint could ever make us.

What about you and your team? How are you prioritizing relationship building, knowing it will make you stronger, more resilient, smarter, and prepared to drive a more profound impact for your clients and customers?

Maybe it’s time to ditch the slides and try something new?

?4?Steps to Recreate the Magic with Your Team:

1. Unplug and Unwind: Ditch the tech and traditional meeting tools. Find a setting that encourages relaxation and open dialogue—a park, a quiet retreat, or even a walk through your local neighborhood. The goal is to create space for genuine connection without the distractions of daily work life.
2. Focus on “Being,” Not “Doing”: Set aside the agendas and structured activities. Encourage your team to simply be present with one another. Use a few thought-provoking prompts to spark conversation but let the dialogue flow naturally. The absence of rigid plans will allow for deeper, more meaningful exchanges.
3. Prioritize Relationship Building: Understand that the strength of your team lies in the quality of your relationships. Make these unstructured, reflective gatherings a regular practice. Over time, you’ll notice how much stronger, more resilient, and more cohesive your team becomes—ready to tackle any challenge and make a significant impact.
4. Start Slow: Not ready to dive into the deep end with a couple of days unplugged and unstructured? Start by dipping your toe in the water with an intentional meal or evening together.?

Take the leap.

Let go of the PowerPoint and embrace the power of connection. Your team—and your results—will thank you.

And, if you need a thought partner to guide you in planning your own retreat, or you would like to have one of our coaches there to help facilitate, let us know!

Throughout the week, you couldn't help but be reminded of the power of connection and community.

Until next time BE LIFE-GIVING!

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