Walk With Me? How Walking Meetings Could Offer A New Team Dynamic

I recently spent a few days skiing with my dad. The weather was mixed, but one day delivered clear blue skies and perfect conditions. Between runs, we found ourselves chatting on the ski lifts, staring out at the mountains and breathing in the cold alpine air. Over those short rides, we covered an incredible range of topics — life, work, family, and everything in-between. It reminded me how easily conversations flow when you are outside and on the move.

I’ve noticed the same thing in many parts of my life. When my children start bouncing off the walls and their “listening ears” disappear, bundling everyone into snow gear and heading outside almost always resets the mood. Fresh air calms nervous systems, tensions ease, and smiles return. With friends, some of the most honest and meaningful conversations I’ve had have happened during walks. I remember walking laps of the Englischer Garten in Munich when my son was a baby, sharing worries and experiences with other new mums. I’ve also had friends open up about vulnerabilities while hiking in the mountains in ways I wonder if they would have done sitting across from me in a café.

Those experiences made me reflect on something: perhaps it is easier to have deeper, calmer conversations when we are moving rather than sitting across from each other in a room.

And that raises an interesting question for the workplace.

Could Walking Meetings Improve Leadership Conversations?

Most of us know the feeling.

Your calendar is packed with calls, emails, and client work when suddenly a request for a one-to-one meeting appears. Maybe it’s your regular catch-up with your manager — or perhaps it’s unexpected.

Depending on the relationship, it can trigger a range of reactions:

• Nervousness: Why has this meeting been requested?

• Frustration: I’m already so busy — is this necessary?

• Anticipation: I’m glad we’ll have time to talk.

As a leader, I always valued regular check-ins with my team. Weekly catch-ups helped us align on priorities and identify challenges early. But over time I realised that the format of the meeting matters just as much as the meeting itself.

Does every conversation need to happen sitting in front of a screen? Sometimes the answer might be no.

Some discussions — especially brainstorming, reflection, or open feedback — may benefit from taking the conversation outside.

The Science Behind Walking and Thinking

The idea of “walking meetings” isn’t new. Steve Jobs was famous for his “walk and talk” conversations, “Jobs was known for the 10-minute rule: Whenever he was stuck on a problem for more than 10 minutes, he would leave his desk and go for a walk”

There is science behind this instinct, research from Stanford University found that “walking boosts creative inspiration. They examined creativity levels of people while they walked versus while they sat. A person's creative output increased by an average of 60 percent when walking.”

And it is not just creativity which is boosted by getting outside. It has been shown that your attention span benefits too, “Exercise increases the brain's oxygen supply by 30 percent. This improves your concentration“.

In short: moving the body can help move the mind.

Why Walking Can Change the Dynamic of a Conversation

Beyond creativity, walking meetings may also change the emotional tone of conversations.

In my experience, something subtle shifts when people walk side by side instead of sitting opposite each other. The dynamic feels less formal and potentially less hierarchical.

Without a screen, presentation slides, or a desk between you, the conversation often becomes more natural and focused.

Some leadership experts have pointed out that walking meetings can:

• Encourage more open communication

• Strengthen relationships within teams

• Create a more collaborative atmosphere

• Make it easier for employees to offer honest feedback

A Personal Perspective

Throughout my career, I’ve often noticed how stepping outside helps reset my thinking. When workdays became particularly intense, I developed a habit: I would announce my need for fresh air, walk around the block a few times, and then return ready to tackle the problem.

For me, the shift in location — fresh air, movement, and distance from the screen — often gave me a new perspective.

It didn’t solve every problem, but it almost always helped me return with clearer thinking.

When Walking Meetings Work Best

Walking meetings are not suitable for every situation, but they can be particularly effective for:

• One-to-one catch-ups

• Brainstorming sessions

• Coaching conversations

• Problem-solving discussions

• Creative planning

Without the distraction of laptops or presentations, conversations can sometimes become more efficient and focused. For remote teams, a similar idea can work too: taking a call while walking outside rather than sitting at your desk.

Important Considerations

Of course, there are practical factors to consider.

Some conversations require privacy, detailed note-taking, or screen sharing. Others might involve sensitive information that should not be discussed in public spaces. It is also important to consider personal preferences and accessibility.

Other factors include:

• Weather: Not every day is ideal for being outdoors

• Privacy: Avoid discussing confidential information where others might overhear

• Preference: Ensure the format works for everyone involved

• Documentation: If extensive notes are required, a traditional meeting might be better

Walking meetings should be an option — not a rule.

A Simple Team Tool

Walking meetings are not a universal solution to workplace meetings.

But they can be a valuable tool in a team’s playbook.

Stepping outside may help break down rigid hierarchies, encourage more honest conversations, and offer a fresh perspective on challenges. At the very least, it can provide a moment of clarity in an otherwise busy day.

It doesn’t need to be a ski lift, sometimes a change of scenery — even just a walk around the block — is exactly what a conversation needs.

Best,

Alex