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Walk With Me, Talk With Me
Connect, brainstorm and problem-solve with walking meetings
Kenya Moses
February 10, 2025
Table of Contents
In today’s world of leadership, fresh and creative approaches to work are always emerging. One of my favorites? Walking meetings. They break away from the usual office setting and bring a sense of movement, energy, and clarity to conversations. My clients often tell me these walks end up being the best part of their day - offering not just a change of scenery but a boost in focus, creativity, and overall well-being. It’s amazing how something as simple as walking while talking can transform the way we connect, brainstorm, and problem-solve.
The Rise of the Walking Meeting
Walking meetings aren’t a new concept; in fact, ancient philosophers used them to discuss big ideas - but they’ve made a strong comeback in today’s business world. An increasing number of companies are embracing them as a way to break free from traditional office settings, encouraging movement, fresh thinking, and more engaged conversations. Whether in a city park, around the office building, or through a quiet neighborhood, walking meetings create space for clearer thinking and more dynamic discussions.
Benefits of the Walking Meeting
Unleashing Creativity and Problem-Solving
One of the biggest benefits of walking meetings is how they spark creativity and improve problem-solving. Research shows that movement—especially walking—can boost cognitive function and encourage more innovative thinking. In fact, a Stanford study found that walking increased creative output by an average of 60% compared to sitting.
Why does this happen? A change of scenery and the natural rhythm of walking can help break through mental blocks and inspire fresh ideas. Plus, the informal setting makes conversations feel more open and collaborative, breaking down barriers between leaders and team members. It’s a simple shift that can lead to big breakthroughs.
Enhancing Productivity and Focus
Some people assume that walking meetings are less structured or productive, but the truth is, they can actually improve focus and efficiency. Walking boosts blood flow to the brain, keeping you more alert and engaged—which means conversations tend to be more direct and purposeful. There’s less zoning out, less fatigue, and more meaningful discussions.
Plus, the built-in time limit of a walking route naturally keeps things on track. When you know you’ve only got until the end of the block or the loop around the park, you’re more likely to prioritize what really matters and make decisions faster. For busy leaders, this can be a game-changer in running more effective, streamlined meetings.
Fostering a Healthier Work Culture
In an era where employee well-being is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in organizational success, walking meetings offer a tangible way for leaders to demonstrate their commitment to health and wellness. By integrating physical activity into the workday, leaders can help combat the sedentary lifestyle that has become synonymous with office work.
The health benefits of regular walking are well-documented, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. By encouraging walking meetings, leaders can contribute to a culture that values physical health, potentially leading to reduced absenteeism, increased energy levels, and improved overall job satisfaction among team members.
Building Stronger Relationships
The informal nature of walking meetings can significantly enhance interpersonal dynamics within a team. The side-by-side positioning of participants during a walk naturally breaks down hierarchical barriers and can lead to more open and honest communication. This can be particularly valuable for leaders seeking to build trust and rapport with their team members.
Additionally, the shared experience of a walk can create a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The natural pauses in conversation that occur during a walk can also provide moments for reflection and more thoughtful responses, leading to deeper and more meaningful exchanges.
It’s amazing how something as simple as walking while talking can transform the way we connect, brainstorm, and problem-solve.
Implementing Walking Meetings: A Leader's Guide
While the benefits of walking meetings are clear, their successful implementation requires thoughtful planning and execution. Here are some key strategies for leaders looking to integrate this practice into their organizational culture:
1. Set Clear Objectives and Agendas
As with any meeting, it's crucial to have a clear purpose and agenda. Before embarking on a walking meeting, ensure that all participants are aware of the topics to be discussed and any decisions that need to be made. This preparation will help keep the conversation focused and productive.
2. Choose Appropriate Routes
Select walking routes that are conducive to conversation and free from excessive noise or distractions. Consider factors such as terrain, weather, and the length of time required for the meeting. For longer discussions, you might plan a route with a midway point for a brief rest or to review any necessary documents.
3. Establish Ground Rules
Set expectations for the pace of walking and how note-taking will be handled. Some leaders find it helpful to designate a note-taker who can jot down key points on a mobile device, while others prefer to record voice memos or take brief breaks to document important decisions.
4. Be Inclusive
Ensure that walking meetings are accessible to all team members, including those with mobility issues. Offer alternatives or adaptations when necessary, such as wheelchair-friendly routes or the option to participate virtually for remote team members.
5. Lead by Example
As a leader, your active participation in and advocacy for walking meetings will be crucial in their adoption across the organization. Share your positive experiences and encourage other managers to try this approach with their teams.
6. Gather Feedback and Iterate
Regularly solicit feedback from participants about their experiences with walking meetings. Use this input to refine your approach and address any concerns or challenges that arise.
Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
While the benefits of walking meetings are substantial, leaders may encounter several challenges when implementing this practice. Here are some common obstacles and strategies to overcome them:
Weather and Environmental Constraints
In locations with extreme weather conditions or limited outdoor spaces, conducting regular walking meetings can be challenging. Leaders can address this by:
Creating indoor walking routes within office buildings or nearby indoor facilities
Investing in covered outdoor walkways or all-weather paths on company grounds
Offering flexible scheduling to take advantage of favorable weather conditions
Resistance to Change
Some team members may be hesitant to embrace walking meetings, viewing them as disruptive to established routines. To overcome this resistance:
Communicate the benefits clearly and provide evidence of their effectiveness
Start with voluntary participation and gradually increase adoption
Share success stories and positive feedback from early adopters
Technology and Resource Limitations
Concerns about access to necessary technology or resources during walking meetings can be addressed by:
Investing in mobile devices or wearable technology for note-taking and information access
Developing a system for efficiently summarizing and distributing meeting outcomes
Creating designated "pitstops" along walking routes where participants can access computers or documents if needed
Maintaining Professionalism and Confidentiality
For organizations dealing with sensitive information, ensuring confidentiality during walking meetings may be a concern. Leaders can mitigate this by:
Designating specific routes or areas for confidential discussions
Providing guidelines on appropriate topics for walking meetings versus those that require a more secure setting
Using code words or avoiding specific names when discussing sensitive matters in public spaces
The Future of Walking Meetings in Leadership
Looking ahead, walking meetings aren’t just a passing trend—they represent a real shift in how we think about leadership, workplace culture, and employee well-being. With more focus on health, sustainability, and fostering creativity, walking meetings give forward-thinking leaders a simple but powerful way to create more dynamic and engaging work environments.
But the impact goes beyond just getting people moving. Prioritizing walking meetings can help tackle bigger workplace challenges like burnout and employee retention by encouraging a healthier, more balanced approach to work. When people feel energized and engaged, they’re more likely to stay motivated and connected.
And as remote and hybrid work continues to evolve, walking meetings might take on new forms, incorporating virtual participants or even using technology like augmented reality to create shared experiences—no matter where people are. This could open the door to even more collaboration, breaking down barriers and making work feel more connected than ever.
In a world where leadership requires constant innovation and adaptability, walking meetings offer a simple yet powerful way to spark creativity, boost productivity, and create a healthier work culture. Stepping outside the traditional office setting isn’t just a change of scenery—it’s an opportunity to think differently, connect more openly, and unlock fresh ideas.
But walking meetings aren’t just about movement; they’re a reflection of what we value as leaders. Prioritizing well-being, fostering collaboration, and embracing a more dynamic way of problem-solving sends a clear message: we’re here to create a workplace that energizes and inspires.
As we navigate the challenges of modern leadership, let’s not overlook the impact of something as simple as a walk. It’s time to step outside, breathe a little deeper, and lead in a way that keeps us moving forward - one step at a time. The path to better leadership is right in front of us. Are you ready to take that first step?
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