Tools, evidence and editorial utility
Retreat selection scorecard for business owners
A weighted scorecard for business owners choosing a retreat, with emphasis on business continuity, work time, risk and honest terms. Score 1 to 5 per criterion.
A business owner leaves behind customers, staff and cash flow. This scorecard is built around those concerns first, and the usual retreat features second. Score each criterion from 1 to 5 for each option using the tool, then check the notes on how to interpret the result.
How the criteria are weighted
Items that expose the business to risk carry the highest weights: continuity, work time, length, safety and terms. Lifestyle factors still matter but carry less. Change them to reflect your situation before you score; someone with a strong management team may weight continuity lower than a solo operator.
What to base each score on
| Criterion | Evidence to collect |
|---|---|
| Business continuity | Your own handover plan, not the retreat's brochure. See the continuity checklist |
| Work time | A sample day, a stated connectivity setup, a test on arrival |
| Length | The retreat's options, plus your own tolerance. See 14 vs 30 days |
| Safety | Coach bios, group size, medical and first aid plan, your own insurance |
| Terms | Written terms, as covered in cancellation terms |
| Inclusions | An itemized list; use the inclusions glossary |
An example of using the scorecard
Take the facts from an official site, such as the 14 or 30 day options and the faculty and inclusion lists that Lions Gate Retreats publishes (reviewed 2026-10-12), and put each into the matching row with the date. Where the site is silent, such as on cancellation terms, write the question and score low until the organizer answers. The scorecard works the same for any retreat, and it is not an endorsement of one.
Interpreting your results
- Look at the lowest-scoring high-weight items first. One serious gap, such as unclear terms, matters more than a high total.
- If two options are close, compare their written replies to the same questions.
- Keep the scores and sources so you can revisit them if dates shift.
- Use the founder comparison worksheet for program and lifestyle fit.
Before you commit
- Complete a handover plan. See handing over a business.
- Set an escalation plan, as in emergency escalation.
- Budget in full with the budget worksheet.
- Confirm all details with the organizer and on the official site.
Questions people ask
How is this different from the founder comparison worksheet?
This scorecard puts more weight on business continuity and risk, such as handover, escalation and terms. The other leans on program and lifestyle fit.
What score is good enough?
There is no universal threshold. Compare retreats against each other and look at weak criteria, not just the total.
Should I change the weights?
Yes, if your priorities differ. Decide your weights before you score.
Where do I get the facts to score?
Official sites, written replies from organizers and independent sources. Avoid scoring from impressions.
Sources and further reading
Ready to see if Lions Gate fits?
Review the current program and request your place directly with Lions Gate. Pricing, eligibility and booking terms are set by the retreat.
Request a place →Lions Gate Retreats advertises on The Company Chronicle. This guide was written by our editorial team from public sources and general professional practice; it does not describe a guarantee, quote or offer from Lions Gate Retreats. Confirm current terms, prices and availability with the operator before you decide.