We tried a new approach for quarterly planning – here’s what we learned.
At PJ Wallbank Springs (PJWS), we believe operational excellence starts with people. That’s why we’ve reimagined how we plan, align, and launch into each quarter—beginning with Q3.
We brought together cross-functional teams for immersive Quarterly Planning Sessions, not just to review performance, but to build what comes next. It wasn’t a top-down presentation or a passive meeting (snooze…). It was designed to activate every team, spark collaboration, and align our goals at every level of the business.
“Although we’ve been very intentional about trying to create alignment within the organization to our top priorities, I felt this quarter was a breakthrough. The pre-planning, getting the entire team together for a day and a half, and how it was facilitated were instrumental in achieving this success. Our goals for trying this new approach were to achieve greater communication and speed with our planning process—I’m confident both were achieved.”
—Chris Wallbank, CEO
See a quick highlight from the day: PJWS will crush Q3 because…
What We Did Differently
We started by looking back, not ahead. Each team shared their biggest accomplishment from Q2, with space to recognize cross-functional contributions and individual pride points. The energy in the room built quickly.
From there, we shifted into Q3 planning with a structured approach: gallery walks to review company-level priorities, workshops on writing OKRs, and breakout sessions where each team built their own goals in alignment with what matters most.
What Made It Work
The difference wasn’t just the agenda—it was the approach.
- We made the company’s top priorities visible and digestible early in the day.
- We gave teams time and structure to collaborate on what matters most.
- We closed the loop by sharing top Q3 goals and highlighting how each team contributes to the whole.
Reflections From Leaders
“As each team showcased their wins, you could feel the energy, engagement, and connection to the business and to each other grow. Plus, we set our goals more quickly than we normally do—and they felt more connected to what’s most important to the organization.”
—Tracey Fletcher, People Leader
“Once we aligned on what matters most to the company, it became obvious how each of us can move the needle.”
—Brandon Bartneck, Engineering Leader
“Each person left with a clear understanding of how their individual goals support company-level priorities.”
—John Zelasko, Commercial Leader
A Defining Moment
Toward the end of the day, we asked each team to finish this prompt: “PJWS will crush Q3 because…”
The winning headline: “Cross-Functional Collaboration”
A theme that echoed throughout the day as people connected their work to company priorities, to other departments, and to one another.
Why It Matters
This wasn’t just a planning session. It was an activation. A reset. A moment of connection.
We’re building better—together.
If you’re someone who thrives in a culture of clarity, collaboration, and momentum—or if you’re a business that values operational alignment—we’d love to connect. Send us a note at wallbank@pjws.com.