When you have bright, enthusiastic and bought-in talent on your staff, we think it’s a great idea to include them in your organization’s strategic planning, goal setting and tactical planning processes. But if they have never before been involved with the process, a little advance preparation will help them understand the process and feel more comfortable when they walk through the doors of the planning room for the first time.

1. Explain the planning process to them – what is the purpose of the session, what is your goal for the day, and what they might expect the day to look like.

2. Be sure they understand their role, your expectations of them during the session, and tell them what they can expect to gain.

3. Include them in any pre-planning activities or events such as survey work or warm-up exercises.

Your planning time will be more productive and valuable for everyone, and you will have taken the next step in development for your next generation of leaders.