Off-sites take on the current culture of your company. Some companies may have a passionate and involved CEO who will take charge and revel in the project, while other executives may be so overwhelmed by projects and market changes that a calendar tag and agenda don’t get sent until the last minute, forcing a team member or two to reschedule a weekend getaway or miss the soccer tournament or piano recital. Those at the home office frequently know the offsite is taking place and water cooler gathering openly speculates what will go on or off. The team is invested, whether present or not, and one thing is certain: most people want the time away to be meaningful and productive, and for the leaders to bring back plans that are empowering, strengthening and positive.​