Are you thinking of partnering with another retreat leader and asking them co-lead your next retreat? Joining forces can mean the world of difference if you want to take some of the load off organizing and hosting.

Although the thought of being able to share ideas and divide the workload might make the decision seem like an obvious one, there are some things to give thought to before you leap in.

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5 Things To Consider Before You Partner With Another Retreat Leader

Like any partnership, you need to spend some time reflecting on the finer details of it so as to not take anything for granted. Discussing, and then setting expectations beforehand, will help you both to maintain a strong connection throughout the entire process of co-leading a retreat. This is for the benefit of everyone involved, your students included.

Put Some Thought Into What You Are Hoping To Achieve By Partnering Up

You have heard the adage two minds are better than one. It is no secret that combining your resources can elevate your retreat in every aspect. With the right person, you have support for planning, marketing, and hosting your students during the getaway, allowing you a little respite.

But partnering can have complications too, especially if you haven’t thought about your why for working with another retreat leader.

Is it that you want help from someone who has experience with the organizational side of the retreat?

Maybe your intention is to expand on your students’ experience, giving them access to a teacher who complements your own methods?

Perhaps it is the largest group you have hosted to date, and an extra set of hands with leadership skills is needed?

Are you hoping to find new faces to join the retreat, so partnering with a teacher who has their own students makes sense?

Whatever the case may be, defining your why for partnering with another retreat leader is an important step to take.

Discuss Your Vision For The Retreat

When you approach the person to ask them to co-lead with you, take your vision of the retreat along to the meeting. Explain all of the details to them, so that they know what you have in mind and can base their decision to join you upon that.

Let them know your ideas for the retreat theme, how long it will be, where you want to hold it, the number of students you are going to invite, outline the teachings you are going to pass on, etc. By being upfront about the type of experience you want to create, you can both move forward with an aligned vision and purpose.

This is also an opportunity to listen to what your potential partner has to say. If they are interested in joining you as a retreat leader, they may have some ideas for your program. Let the creativity flow during this time and open yourself up to planning and crafting a beautiful experience for your students, together.

Is The Teacher A Fit For Your Students?

Personalities affect the energy and flow of the retreat experience as a whole. While your students know and trust you, will they be comfortable with the energy the other person brings to it?

These are questions you need to ask yourself. You will know the definitive answer if the person is someone who you work with, say, for example, a teacher at your studio. But if they aren't, and you are going on outstanding reputation only, can you be sure that your students will be equally open to the prospect?

The reality is, this could have an effect on how many people end up sign up for the experience. If your students are not familiar with the person, invite them to your studio to meet everyone. Set up a few classes for them to instruct so your students can get a feel for their approach to teaching and learn more about their ideologies.

Naturally, your co-retreat leader should also complement your personality, expertise, and teaching style. Maybe they are a master at sound healing or massage, and having them join you on a yoga retreat will enhance your students' learning.

Set Expectations Regarding The Division Of Responsibilities

As you know, organizing a retreat is no small feat. Crafting an amazing experience requires a clear cut vision. Deciding upfront on everyone's responsibilities will ensure that expectations are met all round.

Decide what role you are both going to play in organizing and hosting the retreat. You may decide that you want to handle some aspects of it, but leave others to your partner.

Put in writing what these expectations are so that the two of you are on the same page right from the start. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings that could affect your students' experience as well as your relationship with the retreat leader.

Come To An Agreement About Compensation

You put so much energy into hosting a retreat, so it is natural that you both want to see your efforts rewarded fairly.

Before embarking on the partnership, commit to having a conversation where you discuss compensation. Figure out how the payment can come to fairly reflect the division in responsibility and workload each of you takes on.

Depending on how this looks, in some cases, it may be best to split the end profit. In others, simply pay a flat fee.  Whatever the case, having the conversation and putting some thought into what is the best fit for all involved means you can commit to a partnership that will compensate you both for your hard work.

Ending Off

If after running through these considerations you are unsure whether partnering with a retreat leader is the best thing for you, remember that it is ok to take a rain check. Organizing and running a retreat is an experience in itself, one that needs careful consideration. Add a partnership into that, and it can transform it into an enriching process that you are able to enjoy and be present throughout. Or it can add unnecessary load to your plate.

Sometimes it makes sense, and sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, that is ok.