We run our quarterly planning sessions, but the team shows up completely unprepared, forcing us to waste the first three hours just getting on the same page. How do we structure their prep work so we hit the ground running?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When a leadership team shows up to a quarterly planning session unprepared, you waste valuable time that should be spent on strategic execution. To hit the ground running, you must establish a clear prep routine.

First, require every leader to review the V/TO® and progress on current Rocks before the session. They must come prepared with a clear assessment of what went well and what did not over the last ninety days.

Second, have every department head submit their proposed Rocks and priority issues at least forty-eight hours in advance. This allows the Integrator to review the submissions and identify potential conflicts or duplicates.

Third, clean up the Issues List. Do not start the quarterly session with a messy list of fifty minor operational problems. Filter the list beforehand, moving day-to-day issues to weekly Level 10 Meetings™, and saving only high-level, strategic issues for the quarterly session. When you protect the quarterly session from administrative clutter, you maximize your investment in your Professional EOS Implementer® and ensure your strategic plans are realistic.