How to Run a Strategy Session That Gets Results

A practical guide to running an effective strategy planning session

Many organisations struggle with strategy. Meetings get stuck in circular discussions, and the same voices dominate while others switch off. The difference between a frustrating meeting and an energising strategy planning session comes down to preparation, structure, and how people are invited to take part.

If you’re wondering how to run a strategy session that is productive, creative, and inclusive, this guide will help.

Why Running a Strategy Planning Session Matters

An effective session gives your organisation:

• A clear sense of direction

• Shared priorities across teams

• Tangible actions to move forward

Without it, strategy stays abstract and risks being forgotten. Here are our top tips below:

• Start with Clear Purpose

  Before running a strategy planning session, define:

  • What do we want to achieve today?

  • What outcomes should we leave with?

  Being clear from the start creates focus and prevents wasted time.

• Make Everyone Part of the Process

  Traditional meetings often favour the loudest voices. A strong strategy session involves everyone. When each person contributes, the group benefits from diverse perspectives and unexpected insights.

  At WayMaker for Business, we use LEGO® Serious Play® to make sure everyone has a voice. By building ideas in 3D, participants think differently, express themselves more freely, and co-create solutions that stick.

• Use Creative Tools to Unlock Thinking

  If you want different results, you need different methods. Tools like LEGO Serious Play move teams away from passive listening and into active problem-solving. This approach helps teams:

  • Break out of rigid patterns of thinking

  • Explore strategy visually and creatively

  • Build alignment and shared ownership

• Structure the Flow of the Session

  When planning how to run a strategy session, design a clear journey:

  1. Set the scene – why we’re here

  2. Explore the landscape – opportunities, challenges, strengths

  3. Generate ideas – input from all participants

  4. Prioritise – decide what matters most

  5. Plan next steps – create clear actions and accountability

  This balance of structure and openness ensures both creativity and results.

• Leave with Tangible Outcomes

  A successful strategy planning session should deliver:

  • Agreed priorities or a shared vision

  • Practical next steps

  • A sense of ownership across the team

  That’s when strategy stops being a document and starts becoming a living, working guide.

Why Play Belongs in Business Strategy

Play isn’t just for children, it’s one of the most powerful tools for adults to think differently. When teams engage through play, they collaborate more openly, approach challenges creatively, and leave with strategies they truly believe in.

At WayMaker for Business, we design and facilitate sessions that combine proven strategy frameworks with the creativity of LEGO Serious Play. The result? Strategy workshops that are engaging, productive, and memorable.

If you’re planning on running a strategy planning session and want support to make it both effective and energising, get in touch we’d love to help guide your team through the process.

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