You know that moment when a team goes from side-eyeing the offsite agenda to leaning in, scribbling notes, and saying, “Here’s how we’ll bring this to life”?
If you’ve seen it, you know—there’s nothing like that shift. NOTHING. You can feel it in the air.
Last week, I led an offsite with a leadership team to define their core purpose.
For the first hour? The vibe was unmistakable: “Are two days away from our desks actually going to make a difference?”
Fair question. I’ve been in plenty of sessions that promised transformation but delivered… confusion. Lots of words, few clear outcomes.
But this team? Different story.
By the end of Day 2, they were leaning in—challenging each other (and me!) and riffing on ideas. You could feel the energy rise.
And we got there: a core purpose they’re genuinely fired up about—because they created it together.
So what sparked the shift from skepticism to ownership?
It’s rarely just one thing. In this case, it was a blend:
- Start with stories, not strategies. To start Day 2, I asked each business unit lead to share a moment when the company delighted a customer. Those stories weren’t just feel-good—they held clues. And when we pulled the threads, purpose started to emerge. Not manufactured—organic.
- Make space for what’s not being said. You can feel when someone’s holding back. I’ve learned to ask, “What’s happening on your face?” or “Hey, we haven’t heard from you—what’s on your mind?” Gentle questions that often unlock big insight.
- Invite challenge—from both sides. I told the team, “Here’s what I’m seeing and hearing. But if I’ve got it wrong—tell me.” Modeling that openness gave them permission to push back, which made the work sharper, faster.
- Let them wrestle the anaconda. Purpose isn’t a box you check. It’s a truth you name. At one point, we were way off schedule—but they needed to wrestle with it, test it, refine it. And when it finally clicked? You could feel it.
Excitement. Ownership. Alignment.
Because here’s the thing: it’s not about having clarity when you start. It’s about trusting the process and giving teams the space they need to discover their OWN wisdom.
That’s where the magic is.
What about you? Have you seen a team flip the switch from skeptical to energized? What shifted the energy?
Looking to increase the cohesion, trust, and impact of your leadership team? Reach out and let’s discuss The Compass Team Experience and how I can help.
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