Frequently, but not always, the data-gathering stage is initiated only after the manager and her or his group hove agreed that team development is a process in which they wish to engage and have set a date for an off-site meeting. This sequence ensures that organization members have freedom of choice and that the data-gathering stage is conducted as close to the actual meeting as possible. The offsite meeting may last from a day and a half to a week, with the average being about three days. The meeting is held away from the organization to reduce the number of interruptions and other pressures that might inhibit the process.