Top Executive Retreat Case Study
Since 2015, Directors General of Customs and their executive teams have been able to participate in a ‘Top Executive Retreat,’ as a means of further strengthening their capacity in implementing change and in achieving organizational results. This article explains what a retreat is all about and the benefits that can be derived from attending such an event.
At the end of a WCO Top Executive Retreat (TER), the Director General of a Customs administration and his/her executive team leave with many new and fresh ideas on how to proceed with their main strategic challenges. They feel energized and full of confidence because, as a team, they have become stronger. Not only do they have clear objectives and expectations, their cooperation will also, …show more content…
It all starts with knowing oneself and being aware that your qualities, beliefs, convictions, values and vision influence the way you perceive situations, people, challenges or opportunities. The next step is to be mindful of your own thoughts, emotions – like fear, anger or joy, words and deeds at all times, in order to better manage yourself. The last step is to really understand others, to really listen to others, and to find out why and how they think and act as they do. This is a difficult, but necessary attribute for leaders as well as managers to acquire.
With these ingredients – strong vision, self-awareness and the capacity to manage oneself and understand others – it is possible to influence others and have a positive impact on them. During the morning sessions, the relation between these four ingredients and the outward roles and responsibilities of leaders and managers is constantly explored. Motivating, delegating, delivering and ensuring feedback, as well as coaching and communicating are the topics put forward.
The …show more content…
Besides the TER, another important element of the LMD Programme is the LMD workshop for senior managers. The 10-day workshop is based on the same principles as the TER, but approaches leadership and management issues slightly differently, giving participants more time to understand, discuss and digest its content.
For many Customs administrations, it would be necessary to combine both a TER and an LMD workshop to get the most desired outcome: executives and senior managers ‘speaking the same language’ in leading and managing important changes in the organization.
This is especially important right now, as administrations have to step up their efforts in implementing the provisions of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Such an endeavour requires not only technical expertise, but most of all for Customs officers to demonstrate the right leadership and management skills whatever their managerial positions.
LMD facilitators feel positive, proud and pleased when, at the end of a TER, they watch a team walk out to start working on their own and on their organization’s transformation. Feedback shows that participation in a TER, as well as in an LMD workshop, provides an important impetus for
At the end of a WCO Top Executive Retreat (TER), the Director General of a Customs administration and his/her executive team leave with many new and fresh ideas on how to proceed with their main strategic challenges. They feel energized and full of confidence because, as a team, they have become stronger. Not only do they have clear objectives and expectations, their cooperation will also, …show more content…
It all starts with knowing oneself and being aware that your qualities, beliefs, convictions, values and vision influence the way you perceive situations, people, challenges or opportunities. The next step is to be mindful of your own thoughts, emotions – like fear, anger or joy, words and deeds at all times, in order to better manage yourself. The last step is to really understand others, to really listen to others, and to find out why and how they think and act as they do. This is a difficult, but necessary attribute for leaders as well as managers to acquire.
With these ingredients – strong vision, self-awareness and the capacity to manage oneself and understand others – it is possible to influence others and have a positive impact on them. During the morning sessions, the relation between these four ingredients and the outward roles and responsibilities of leaders and managers is constantly explored. Motivating, delegating, delivering and ensuring feedback, as well as coaching and communicating are the topics put forward.
The …show more content…
Besides the TER, another important element of the LMD Programme is the LMD workshop for senior managers. The 10-day workshop is based on the same principles as the TER, but approaches leadership and management issues slightly differently, giving participants more time to understand, discuss and digest its content.
For many Customs administrations, it would be necessary to combine both a TER and an LMD workshop to get the most desired outcome: executives and senior managers ‘speaking the same language’ in leading and managing important changes in the organization.
This is especially important right now, as administrations have to step up their efforts in implementing the provisions of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Such an endeavour requires not only technical expertise, but most of all for Customs officers to demonstrate the right leadership and management skills whatever their managerial positions.
LMD facilitators feel positive, proud and pleased when, at the end of a TER, they watch a team walk out to start working on their own and on their organization’s transformation. Feedback shows that participation in a TER, as well as in an LMD workshop, provides an important impetus for