Discover why it's time to rethink leadership retreats. Learn how "Forwards" foster purpose, connection, and strategic growth, transforming offsite team gatherings into powerful leadership experiences.
Why do we still call them “retreats”?
In Boyden’s Boston office, we call them Forwards. Because language matters, and so does direction. A retreat implies stepping back, withdrawing, or escaping. A Forward signals movement toward possibility, purpose, and progress. Sure, “Forward” may not roll off the tongue quite as easily, but perhaps it shouldn’t. Maybe what we’re doing is worth calling it by its true name.
This shift in language from “retreat” to “Forward” isn’t cosmetic, it’s catalytic. It nudges leaders out of autopilot and into intention. When we name the gathering as something purposeful, we begin to show up differently: more open, more grounded, more willing to challenge assumptions, willing to participate and embrace new thinking. It reframes the experience not as an escape from work for a day or two, but as an expedition into what’s next, and defining or re-defining the guideposts. Discovery, connection, and growth become the compass points.
And let’s be clear: a Forward doesn’t require luxury. It requires leadership. The power lies not in lavish settings, but in a deliberate design. When time is carved out for listening, learning, and aligning, teams leave not just refreshed, but refocused. The ROI isn’t measured in spreadsheets alone, it’s felt in culture, clarity, and a renewed commitment to shared goals. It’s the kind of return that shows up in how people lead, collaborate, and engage long after the gathering ends.
The benefits of a Forward are undeniable. Just the act of gathering a leadership team offsite, with space to think, breathe, and connect beyond daily demands is powerful. The byproduct? Rekindled and/or better relationships, deeper understanding of self and others, and moments of genuine human connection. These aren’t just perks. They’re the foundations of trust, belonging, and community. And in today’s workplace, those foundations are more critical than ever.
But the real impact emerges when titles are dropped at the door. When psychological safety is built intentionally and deeply. In a Forward, every voice matters. Conversations shift from “me” to “we,” and strategy becomes shared ownership, not a top-down mandate. Better input leads to better decisions. Better decisions lead to better outcomes. And better outcomes are sustained when people feel seen, heard, and valued.
When leadership development is woven into the experience, when even the President or CEO is learning alongside their team, it sends a clear message: growth is non-negotiable. It’s expected, embraced, and celebrated across the organization. That kind of modeling creates ripple effects. It normalizes vulnerability, curiosity, and continuous improvement. It signals that leadership isn’t a destination, it’s a discipline.
Facilitated Forwards are also highly customizable. They’re structured to meet the immediate needs of the organization, while keeping an eye on the future. Whether the focus is on strategy, culture, or capacity-building, the experience is designed with intention and impact in mind.
Ultimately, Facilitated Forwards help futureproof leadership. They build continuity and capacity, not just for today’s challenges, but for tomorrow’s possibilities. They’re not a simple indulgence; they’re a strategic investment in the people who shape culture, drive performance, and steward the future.
So, let’s stop retreating. Let’s start moving forward, with clarity, courage, and commitment.
Together.
