We have an annual offsite coming up, but one of our key leaders has checked out mentally, rolling their eyes and sitting on their phone during our sessions. How do we address this toxic behavior before the offsite begins so it does not destroy the health of the entire team?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When a leadership team member checks out or behaves disruptively during an offsite, it is a symptom of a deeper issue that must be addressed before the meeting starts. You cannot expect a productive session if someone is poisoning the well. The physical offsite is for solving big, strategic issues and building team health, not for conducting performance interventions.

As the Integrator, you must have a direct conversation with this leader at least a week before the offsite. Address the behavior objectively using specific examples of their disengagement, such as phone usage or eye-rolling. Ask them directly if they still GWC, which means they Get it, Want it, and have the Capacity to do, their seat on the Accountability Chart. This includes their commitment to the leadership team's collective success.

Make it clear that showing up to the offsite requires full participation and vulnerability. If they are unwilling or unable to commit to being fully present and constructive, you must make the difficult decision to disinvite them from the session. It is far better to have a vacant seat at the table than to let one person drag down the energy and alignment of the entire leadership team. Use this moment to determine if they are still the right fit for the long term, especially if you are building an exit-ready company that requires absolute alignment.