For its annual planning session, Raptor was looking for an external facilitator that would allow all participants to be actively involved in discussions and to create a space that enabled all voices to be heard. By hiring Maven, the team had a structure to the day as well as an experienced, professional consultant who could provide relevant input throughout the day. 

Leading up to the one-day session, the Maven facilitator interviewed several of the attendees to understand their goals, priorities and to gain awareness of any internal agendas or politics. With this information he created an agenda for the day that began with an exercise to articulate the company’s strategy. This exercise ensured that all attendees were on the same page, so future discussions would be vetted against the group’s agreed to strategic direction. 

The group brainstormed approximately 50 different growth opportunities, narrowed those down to 20 initiatives and prioritized them. In addition, they defined owners and created a plan. Through the session, the Maven facilitator took notes and pictures and guided discussion through the lens of a professional management consultant. His experience in many of these types of planning sessions across a variety of industries gave the group an outside perspective they would not have had without a third party.

At the end of the the day, the Raptor Technologies executive team experienced broader discussions, built consensus around the ideas with the greatest potential, conducted third-party pressure test and had documented next steps to ensure the momentum built would carry throughout the year.  That combination means more effective interaction at the executive level, consistent messaging throughout the organization and less wasted human and financial resources. Raptor Technologies is well positioned to attack its next year’s initiatives.