Walk it OFF!
My client (I'll call her Sally) asked for a last minute meeting because she had been offered a promotion. This was good news, except for the bad news... a very, very small increase in pay.
Sally was sure the modest pay increase was because her new boss didn't recognize her contributions.
Sally was mad, a little bitter, and really didn't trust her new boss. But Sally wasn't sure she could calmly outline nine years of major professional achievements in a face to face meeting. So I suggested that she set up a walking meeting with her boss.
I often recommend walking meetings because they:
Reduce stress
Invite creative solutions
Allow for issue exploration
Can increase partnership
Remove face to face confrontation from the equation
It worked. Sally walked and talked to her boss and learned that her boss respected and appreciated her. Walking helped Sally stay open, grounded and reduced her stress. She learned that the low offer was pushed down from the CEO. Her boss actually encouraged Sally to ask the CEO for a pay increase. This walking meeting allowed Sally to update her old narrative and start a healthier relationship with her new boss.
Because of video conferencing, communicating face to face has become our standard method. This method works best when the goal of the meeting is to teach, explain, or share materials.
When the goal is to increase curiosity, exploration, innovation, partnership development, and stress reduction, I recommend walking instead. Striding side by side in a meeting opens up the world.
Obvious health benefits from walking include weight control, some reduction in the incidence of cancers, easing joint pain, and strengthening the immune system.
You can even have walking meetings if you can't be in the same place. All you need is some advance planning and good cell service.
Checklist for a successful walking meeting:
Check the weather--you want to be comfortable
Plan the walking meeting in advance so your walking buddy is ready
Read over your notes ahead of time
Record important points using your phone's voice memo
Plan your route to include wide sidewalks, even terrain, low traffic noise, and a distance that matches meeting length
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Don't limit your walks to business purposes. My husband and I have had our best, most fun, positive conversations while walking. Go out, move, and connect with your work colleagues, yourself, and nature.
I have included some articles that expand on these thoughts. Enjoy.
How to Do Walking Meetings Right
Don't Underestimate the Power of a Walk
Surprising Health Benefits of Walking
How to Hold Walking Meetings and Why:
Lace-up those sneaks. They're in the back of your closet. One walk can begin a whole new journey.
Denise