WALK AND TALK: A BETTER WAY TO CONNECT

Over the years, I’ve discovered one of the best ways to have meaningful conversations, whether with teenagers or team members, is while moving forward together.

When my children were teenagers, the best conversations we had were in the car. No eye contact required, no pressure. Just the road ahead and space to talk.

That same principle carried into my leadership. I learned that walking and talking with employees was far more effective than sitting across from them in an office. Something about being shoulder to shoulder, rather than face to face, made the conversation feel more relaxed and authentic.

...AND THERE IS SCIENCE BEHIND IT.

Research shows that walking side by side reduces the perception of hierarchy and promotes psychological safety. It lowers anxiety, boosts creative thinking, and increases openness, which are all key ingredients for honest, productive dialogue.

A Stanford study even found that walking boosts creative output by an average of 60%. Many psychologists also note that people tend to open up more when engaged in parallel movement, whether walking, driving, or even working side by side.

It’s a simple shift, but a powerful one: Leave the office behind. Lace up your shoes. Walk and talk. You might be surprised what your team is willing to share when the rhythm of your steps replaces the formality of your office.

I would love to know if you have had similar experiences.