Hey, I’m walking here!

The benefits of walking meetings, and why you should consider taking some meetings outside. At least promise you’ll try it once.

A duotoned dark purple and beige version of the Apple 'woman walking' emoji, in front of a bright green circle

Have you ever been in a two person meeting wondering where youโ€™re supposed to look? A strong gaze may unnerve your company, but so could darting eyes around the room. Whether itโ€™s with a coworker, underling, or your boss; the walk and talk can be a great way to avoid the awks and encourage a nice open chat. (Better than, oh I donโ€™t know, an uncomfortably small meeting room at the office for example.)

Of course, this depends on the nature of your discussion and requires willingness from both parties to walk. I say โ€œbothโ€ because unless you have an open field available to you (I do not), you may have a hard time hearing each other and sharing the footpath. A three-way walking meeting could work, but Iโ€™m dubious. Surely someone will become the third wheel.

Research suggests that walking meetings are best suited to creative discussions, as opposed to those which require focused decision making. A friend of mine has been using them for her regular one-on-one professional development meetings with her junior staff; a perfect example of a time when you may want to set a casual and open tone.

Then thereโ€™s the bonus exercise. I personally like to take a few laps around the block when on long phone calls, if they donโ€™t require me to be in front of a screen. It feels good to get the circulation going, not to mention some fresh air โ€” and as Nilofer Merchant put it: “fresh air drives fresh thinking”.

If youโ€™re after creativity, a sense of casual-ness, fresh air, and some incidental exercise, it might be time to walk and talk.