In most cases, the financial advisor teams that allocate regular, ongoing time and resources towards the strategic planning process put themselves in the best position to succeed. This fact has been confirmed over-and-over through ClientWise research on top-performing teams. Those teams that intentionally spend time “ON the business”; in addition to the time they spend “IN the business” create the space for excellence.
How about teams who conduct their strategic planning in the midst of Hurricane Sandy? Now that’s really something!
Recently, the ClientWise team gathered in the New York City region for a team meeting, some of them arriving just hours before LaGuardia airport closed in anticipation of the impending storm. Over the next few days, the team meeting quickly morphed into something quite different…that can best be described as:
Extreme Team-Building: Hurricane Sandy Style.
Some interesting vignettes from the ClientWise team meeting experience:
At ClientWise, we realize that the “hardship” that we faced is quite pale in comparison to the destruction that Sandy dealt to the many others who lost a home, a business, their livelihoods, or even a loved one. We were extremely fortunate that our hardship was confined to a loss of power. Our thoughts go out to those still missing friends and family, dealing with the destruction of their homes or livelihoods, including those who have no idea when their power is returning.
If nothing else, we hope that this story inspires you to begin planning for 2013. As you do so, do not be afraid to incorporate a planning process that stretches you and your team. Moreover, try to find a setting that takes you away from the hubbub and distractions of the office…distractions that prevent you and your team from being completely clear and focused. And remember that obstacles can be used to creatively focus energy and effort, helping your advisory practice build a strong team and organization, positioned for current and future excellence.
For a complimentary ClientWise Learning Tool on how financial advisor leaders can build the wealth management enterprise they really want, please download below: