If you’re planning an offsite, you probably already know your team needs time together.
But time isn’t enough.
The most impactful offsites aren’t just a break from the office—they’re a springboard. They spark insights. They create space for real conversations. And yes, they include a little laughter, too.
Lately, I’ve been helping a lot of leaders plan offsites, and here’s what I’ve noticed: teams know they need the time—but they’re not always sure how to use it well.
So before you start building your agenda, take a step back and ask:
What does our team need most right now?
The answer will help you design an offsite that’s not just productive—but powerful. Here are four types of offsites to consider:
🧑💻 1. Productivity-Focused: Reduce Friction, Boost Flow
Perfect for teams feeling stuck in the day-to-day or frustrated by inefficiency.
Using tools like the Working Genius model, these sessions uncover where work gets bottlenecked, where energy gets drained, and how to align roles with natural strengths. The result? Clearer handoffs, better momentum, and a team that feels more in sync.
Use this if:
- Work keeps stalling out or taking longer than it should
- There’s confusion around roles or ownership
- You want to help your team get more done—with less burnout
💁 2. Personality-Driven: Build Self-Awareness and Trust
When collaboration is shaky or communication feels off, a personality-driven offsite can help you reset.
Frameworks like the Enneagram or Johari Window help teams explore individual styles, blind spots, and what drives each person’s behavior. These insights pave the way for more empathy, clearer communication, and stronger relationships.
Use this if:
- You’re onboarding new leaders or forming a new team
- People are misunderstanding each other or avoiding conflict
- You want to strengthen team connection and culture
🩺 3. Team Health Reset: Slow Down to Speed Up
Some teams don’t need a new plan—they need a breath.
This offsite centers around team dynamics: naming tensions, giving feedback, and rebuilding trust. It’s about creating psychological safety and clearing the air so your team can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Use this if:
- There’s unspoken tension or recent change
- Feedback is inconsistent (or nonexistent)
- People are disengaged, burned out, or checked out
✨ 4. Strategic Alignment: Zoom Out and Reground
When priorities feel fuzzy or your team is spinning in different directions, it’s time to get aligned.
These offsites help your team clarify goals, define focus areas, and build shared accountability. Often, we pair high-level visioning with practical planning—so people leave inspired and clear on what happens next.
Use this if:
- You’re entering a new quarter, fiscal year, or phase of growth
- Strategic plans exist, but execution is murky
- You need alignment across functions or regions
🧭 Designing Your Offsite Agenda
Once you know what kind of offsite your team needs, you can build an agenda that serves that purpose. A few quick tips:
- Less is more. Don’t overfill your agenda—leave space for discussion, reflection, and surprise insights.
- Mix it up. Blend structured facilitation with informal time to connect. Some of the best breakthroughs happen over lunch.
- End with action. Make sure the day wraps with clear takeaways, commitments, and follow-ups.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. The best offsite is the one that meets your team where they are—and helps them take the next step forward.
