We are approaching our first multi-day Annual Planning session after running on EOS® for a year. How does the structure and focus of an Annual session differ from our standard Quarterly sessions, and how do we prepare our team for it?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

While a Quarterly Planning session is a one day sprint focused on reviewing the past ninety days and setting new Rocks, an Annual Planning session is a two day strategic deep dive. The Annual session is designed to help the leadership team lift their heads up from the daily grind, assess the high level health of the business, and reset the strategic direction for the upcoming year.

Day one of your Annual is focused on team health and strategic alignment. You will evaluate your team dynamics, review your Core Values, and conduct a deep dive into your V/TO. This is where you challenge your assumptions about your market, your competitors, and your long term targets. It is a time for honest, open debate about where the business is going.

Day two is focused on execution. You will establish your budget, finalize your 1 Year Plan, and set your Rocks for the first quarter of the new year.

To prepare your team for this session, you must do your homework. Every leader must come prepared with their proposed Rocks and issues. Your Integrator should prepare a draft budget and financial projections. Most importantly, everyone must arrive with the mental space to step away from daily operations for forty eight hours. Ensure your departments are covered so you can focus entirely on strategic alignment without distractions.