Why walking conversations lead to better thinking and better leadership
- CharlotteLittlejones
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
This month's blog focuses on why walking conversations lead to better thinking and better leadership. It covers:
Most conversations at work happen sitting down.
Back-to-back meetings. Screens open. Little space in between to think, reflect, or reset.
But not all conversations thrive in that environment.
Over the recent bank holiday weekend, I spent time walking in the Sussex countryside. I had no agenda, no pressure to be productive - just movement, fresh air, and space.
And I noticed a shift.
My thinking felt clearer. My body felt calmer. All the things that had felt slightly frantic or stuck became quieter and easier to process.
It’s a simple but important reminder.
Walking isn’t just good for our wellbeing. It can be a powerful tool for how we think, how we communicate, and how we lead.
We think differently when we move
When we’re constantly moving from one task or meeting to the next, our thinking can become reactive.
Walking interrupts that pattern.
It helps regulate the nervous system, creating a sense of calm that makes it easier to think clearly and respond thoughtfully. Instead of rushing to solutions, we create space to reflect.
This is why walking is often linked to improved clarity, creativity, and problem-solving.
It’s not complicated - but it is effective.
For leaders in particular, having access to clearer thinking can make a tangible difference to decision-making, communication, and overall effectiveness.
Conversations feel different side-by-side
There’s also something subtle, but powerful, about the shift in dynamic when we walk alongside someone rather than sit opposite them.
Side-by-side conversations tend to feel:
less intense
less formal
more natural
Without the pressure of direct eye contact or a structured setting, people often find it easier to open up and speak honestly.
Some of the most productive conversations don’t happen across a desk.
They happen when there’s space to think, pause, and talk more freely.
A simple leadership tool that’s often overlooked
Walking meetings or “walk and talk” conversations are still underused in many workplaces, yet they can be a valuable addition to how leaders and managers support their teams.
They can work particularly well for:
1:1 check-ins
wellbeing conversations
early-stage or slightly difficult conversations
thinking through ideas or decisions
This isn’t about replacing every meeting.
It’s about choosing the right environment for the conversation you need to have.
In the same way we think carefully about what we say, it’s worth considering where we say it too.
How to introduce walking conversations
It doesn’t need to be complicated.
A simple, low-pressure approach works best:
“Shall we take this outside?”
Keep it optional
Choose an easy, accessible route
Have a loose intention, rather than a rigid agenda
The goal isn’t to make it feel like a formal process.
It’s to create a different kind of space - one that supports better thinking and more open conversation.
When it might not be the right fit
Like any approach, walking conversations aren’t always appropriate.
There may be times when it’s better to stay indoors, for example:
highly confidential or sensitive discussions
meetings that require detailed note-taking or more structure
where accessibility or personal preference makes walking unsuitable
Using it well is about judgement, not blanket application.
Small habits, meaningful shifts
What often makes the biggest difference at work isn’t a major change - it’s small, consistent shifts in how we operate.
Taking one conversation outside each week might seem simple, but over time it can change:
how people experience conversations
how openly they communicate
how clearly they think
This is the kind of approach I often explore through habit-building - focusing on small, practical changes that support both well-being and effectiveness at work.
Why I use this in my coaching
This is also why I offer walk and talk coaching.
Taking coaching conversations outdoors creates a different dynamic. People often find they think more clearly, speak more openly, and access insight more quickly.
There’s something about movement and environment that supports the process in a way a traditional setting sometimes can’t.
A simple place to start
If a conversation feels stuck this week, try changing the environment.
Take it outside. Walk side-by-side. Keep it simple.
And notice what shifts.
If you’re curious…
If you’d like to experience this approach for yourself, I offer outdoor walk and talk coaching sessions for clients in the Brighton and Hove area focused on creating space for clear thinking, honest conversation, and meaningful progress. It’s still structured, supportive and focused.
Comments