Many TA leaders are planning their annual strategy workshops. Having facilitated dozens of these sessions, I’ve learned what works (and doesn’t) to create meaningful alignment and actionable outcomes.
Understanding the big questions you want answered is always key to these strategy workshops. Less is more – I sometimes feel some TA Leaders are over-ambitious in tackling these questions. Ideally, 2-3 big questions are what you want to truly focus the team and set your strategy.
Looking at these ten questions, these may be:
Before diving into workshop activities, it’s worth setting proper foundations. We use frameworks like A2A (Aligned to Achieve) to ensure everyone sees how their role connects to organisational goals and TCS Insights to understand your team’s starting point. This creates a context for the engaging activities that follow.
First up, nail down these basics:
I use several tools in these strategy workshops, depending on the desired business outcomes and time available; these tools include:
Do not overcrowd the workshop with the above. Some structure is great, but too much detracts from each other and the overall workshop outcomes.
Beyond these structured activities, keep energy high with:
The real work starts after the workshop. Plan for:
Remember, this is your chance to align your team on what matters most. Keep it focused, make it interactive, and ensure everyone understands their role in delivering your TA strategy.
A2A (Aligned to Achieve) can be leveraged in two powerful ways during your workshop:
1. TA Strategy Alignment
Use A2A to ensure your TA function’s strategic direction aligns with broader business goals:
2. Business Partnership Framework
Alternatively, use A2A as an account management tool to structure conversations with business leaders:
Workshop Application:Â You might run separate A2A sessions for each purpose:
Morning Session:Â Internal TA Strategy
Afternoon Session:Â Business Partnership
However you choose to design and run your strategy workshop, ensuring that all participants leave energised with a clear plan of action is the key to implementation.
After all, strategy in action creates success.
Many thanks to our Co-founder and director, Trevor Vas, for sharing this guide. Want to know more about Aligned2Achieve? Check them out here or connect with Trevor to find out more.Â
