Leadership Retreats

Why Leadership Teams Need Retreats Away from Home Base

Leadership teams can greatly benefit from retreats as they offer a unique opportunity for team members to take a break from their daily routine and distractions. During these retreats, the team can focus on important strategic planning, problem-solving, and team-building exercises. Additionally, a change of scenery and the ability to bond with team members in a different setting can greatly improve communication and collaboration among the team, resulting in better cohesion and productivity. Retreats serve as an effective tool for teams to achieve their goals and objectives.

What Are the Specific Benefits to Leadership Retreats

  1. Strategic planning: Retreats provide a dedicated time and space for leadership teams to focus on long-term planning and goal setting. This can help teams to align on priorities and create a roadmap for achieving them.

  2. Problem-solving: Retreats can provide an opportunity for teams to tackle challenging issues or problems in a more relaxed and focused setting. This can lead to more creative and effective solutions.

  3. Team building: Retreats can help to build stronger relationships and trust among team members, which can lead to improved communication and collaboration.

  4. Renewal and rejuvenation: Retreats can help leadership teams to recharge and return to work feeling energized and motivated.

Overall, retreats can be a valuable investment for leadership teams, as they can help to improve strategic planning, problem-solving, team building, and overall team effectiveness.

What Is the Best Time of Year for a Leadership Retreat at Casa Patron?

The best time to have a leadership retreat in the Ruidoso, New Mexico area will depend on your specific goals and preferences. Some factors to consider include the weather, availability of desired outside activities, and the timing of your retreat in relation to your organization's schedule.

In general, Ruidoso has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The summer months (June through August) are typically warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s.

Ruidoso Downs Racetrack has races every Friday through Sunday starting May (Memorial Day Weekend) and ending Labor Day, the day of the All American Futurity, home to the "World's Richest Quarter Horse Race."

The fall (September through November) is a pleasant time to visit, with cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage.

Winter (December through February) can be cold, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-40s and the possibility of snow. It is a great time for skiing at Ski Apache.

Spring (March through May) is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-70s.

If you are planning a retreat that involves outdoor activities, such as hiking or golfing, the best time to visit Ruidoso may be in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. If you are planning a retreat that focuses on relaxation and indoor activities, any time of year could be a good choice.

How Many Individual Sleeping Areas Are There at Casa Patron?

Casa Patron has 5 separate, private areas for 5 members of a leadership team.

What Great Team Building Activites Are Available Near Casa Patron?

  • Ruidoso Downs Racetrack has races every Friday through Sunday starting May (Memorial Day Weekend) and ending Labor Day, the day of the All American Futurity, home to the "World's Richest Quarter Horse Race."

  • The snow season in Ruidoso begins in November and lasts at least until April. With skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, plus plenty of holiday events, winter is a popular season to visit. From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Ruidoso Winter Park to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon.

For those who like casinos, Ruidoso, New Mexico is home to a number of casinos that offer a variety of gaming options and entertainment. Here are a few casinos in or near Ruidoso that you might want to check out:

  1. Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino: This casino is located in Mescalero. It features over 800 slot machines, table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, and a poker room. The resort also offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, golf course, and outdoor activities.

  2. Billy the Kid Casino: This casino is located in nearby Ruidoso Downs and offers over 500 slot machines, as well as a variety of table games. It also has a restaurant and bar on site.

  3. Casino Apache: This casino is also located in Mescalero and is owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. It offers over 400 slot machines, as well as blackjack, roulette, and craps.

For those who like golf, there are several golf options in and near Ruidoso, New Mexico:

  1. The Links at Sierra Blanca: This 18-hole championship course is located in Ruidoso and offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Blanca Mountains.

  2. Inn of the Mountain Gods Golf Course: This 18-hole course is located at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, just a short drive from Ruidoso.

  3. The Golf Club at Equator Ranch: This 9-hole course is located in nearby Alto, New Mexico, and features challenging terrain and beautiful views. Overall, there are plenty of options for golfers in the Ruidoso area, whether you're looking for a challenging championship course or a more laid-back round at a 9-hole course.

Other fun and recreational things to do include:

  1. Take a scenic drive through the Lincoln National Forest and visit the Smokey Bear Historical Park.

  2. Go hiking or mountain biking in the nearby Sierra Blanca Mountains.

  3. Visit the Hubbard Museum of the American West to learn about the region's history and culture.

  4. Go fishing or boating at Grindstone Lake.

  5. Go shopping in the charming downtown Ruidoso, which features a variety of boutiques and artisan shops.

  6. Visit the Ruidoso Art Gallery to see works by local artists.

And for some nearby, unusual, and historical things worth experiencing:

  • In Lincoln, N.M., the historic Wortley Hotel, once owned by Pat Garrett and central to the story of Billy the Kid, began serving guests in 1874 and still provides lodging to travelers.

  • Fort Stanton was established in 1855 as a military post to control the Mescalero Apache Indians. Fort Stanton may be one of the most intact 19th century military forts in all of America today.

  • In Capitan, N.M., Smokey Bear Historical Park Come Visit Where Smokey is Buried where 2024 is the 80th year anniversary of Smokey’s rescue.

  • Merchant Marine Military Cemetery - In 1899, a public health hospital was established for patients from the Merchant Marines at Fort Stanton. Many of those who died there were buried in the cemetery; and in 1913, it became known as the Merchant Marine Military Cemetery.

  • Valley of Fires Recreation Area - This area is home to the Carrizozo Malpais, a massive lava flow that is one of the youngest and best-preserved lava flows in the continental United States.

What Should Leadership Teams Look for in Engaging an External Facilitator?

When searching for a strategic planning facilitator, there are several key traits to consider:

  1. Experience: Look for someone who has experience facilitating strategic planning sessions, either in your industry or a related field. This will ensure that they have a solid understanding of the process and can guide the group effectively.

  2. Objectivity: A good facilitator should be able to remain objective and unbiased, and not allow personal opinions to influence the direction of the strategic planning process.

  3. Communication skills: Look for someone who is a strong communicator and can effectively facilitate discussions and facilitate group decision-making.

  4. Organizational skills: The facilitator should be able to keep the group on track and ensure that all necessary information is gathered and considered during the planning process.

  5. Facilitation skills: A good facilitator should be able to create a collaborative and inclusive environment and use a variety of facilitation techniques to engage all participants.

  6. Adaptability: The facilitator should be able to adapt to the needs and goals of the group and be flexible in their approach to facilitate a successful strategic planning process.

ROI Associates for Leadership Teams Considering an External Facilitator

ROI Associates may be a great fit for your leadership team to consider engaging them to facilitate your retreat. ROI team members' diverse experiences include:

  • For over 30 years, when serving as an external facilitator consistently modeling and delivering to clients on the 6 traits stated above;

  • Leadership and managerial experience in diverse sectors of the economy: commercial (large and small business), nonprofit (national and local), NGOs, global consulting, and education (university and community college);

  • Facilitating leadership and work teams in the same diverse sectors of the economy;

  • Coaching over 100 owners of small businesses;

  • Chairing and serving on the board of commercial and nonprofit organizations;

  • Serving as a National Examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige Presidential Quality Award;

  • Developing and implementing planning, resource allocation, and performance management systems;

  • Delivering innovation in bringing new high touch and high-tech solutions to market; and

  • Certifications from global organizations in strategic planning and problem-solving/decision-making.

If you are considering using Casa Patron for your next leadership team's retreat:

  1. If you plan to self-facilitate or use an external facilitator with whom you are already committed and wish to explore possible Casa Patron dates, go to Evolve Rental

  2. If you plan to consider engaging ROI Associates for facilitating your next leadership team retreat -- whether at Casa Patron or some other location you are considering -- contact: chris@casapatronalto.com