As you and your team get ready to hold your strategic planning session this fall, consider these hiking lessons.

Set clear objectives – For our hike, we knew exactly where we wanted to go. It’s fine to speak of “winning,” “success,” and “stepping up,” but without crystal clear objectives, your team is on a long hike going nowhere.

Be prepared – Our review of maps and info about the trail indicated our hike would be 3.8 miles, climbing 1,800 feet above Vail’s 8,300 foot elevation and take about four hours to complete. We packed plenty of water, power bars, charged our cell phones and laced up sturdy boots. For your strategic planning session, be clear about what you want to accomplish and equip your team with the tools for the journey. I’ll review the 10 Biggest Strategic Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) in a Sept. 11 webinar.

Establish commitment – Before our hike, we knew a trail marked “moderate to difficult” would require some work. But we were all committed to getting to the destination. The falls were spectacular and worth the climb. We were exhilarated by what we experienced, and had a spring in our step during the return hike. Make sure your team understands and is committed to doing the hard work required to accomplish your objective.

Whatever objectives you set, be sure they’re worth the climb for everyone in your organization.