I hate retreats.
I used to hate going to camps on weekends and being in cabins with tons of strangers on weird beds with weird smells, bathrooms across pine-needle forest floors, weird food, noisy spaces, talks that go too long, little free time, exhaustion. I've realized that for someone that's most likely a Highly Sensitive Person, retreat-setting are just one triggering event after another.
This feels different. It's a business weekend really, a time to review the vision and mission of an organization, get through some content, make some decisions then head home. We're also having it in a luxury condo overlooking the Spokane River. My role is the facilitator, so I was responsible to draw up and approve the agenda with the ED, meet with him several times to review his goals, send out information in advance to all board members, then run the meeting. Oh, and I'm bringing all the food. Hahaha... of course I would.
The weather on the road was ferocious. I was concerned for a while that not everyone would be able to make it. I am glad I decided to stay and brought overnight clothes with me. I wouldn't want to go home tonight.
We had a good dinner with food I'd brought, an excellent kickoff evening and then after others had left, the three of us staying out had cigars on the balcony overlooking the quiet of the river, a few geese honking as they settled into the dusty gray of the evening dark. This is my kind of retreat.
I hope we cover what the ED wants tomorrow. I'm doing this for him and for the organization.
These types of activities make me feel alive. I am using my skills and connections to do good work for a worthwhile organization, good staff members and leaders and a population of individuals that are served that few advocate for. Remember this as I figure out what's next for me, post-business.
I didn't spend much time at work, and not sure on the shake-out of this individual deciding to quit at work.
It is what it is.