Walk it out!
Go for a walk. Put your shoes on and head out of the door.
Walking is a powerful form of meditation, which in turn is a source of renewal. A chance to re-energise ourselves so that we can be better, more inspiring leaders.
And a bonus: Your brain will solve problems and be more creative
As we walk, our bodies move and we take in more oxygen which feeds our brains. Our system 1 (robot) brain is busy trying to stop us falling over as we walk giving our system 2 (thinky) brain a free run at solving complex problems and making big decisions.
Space to think gives you a better perspective, essential as a leader.
Walking is great for brainstorming too. Take a friend, or have a friend on the other end of the phone walking too.
Sometimes the simplist things are the most powerful. Be a better leader!
Some practical advice
- Factor a walk into your daily activities; before you start work, at lunchtime.
- Hold walking meetings, you will get to better solutions, decisions and relationships
- When you are not ‘feeling it’, or are struggling to solve a problem, go for a walk.
- If a run is your thing, then that works too … if you struggle to put your running gear on, then go for a walk, it is better than nothing!
This is part of our Leadership Wizdom series, bite sized leadership advice for leaders who wish to improve their leadership, but don’t have much time. For more indepth articles check out The Change Wizard.
We coach leaders and help their organisations become more adaptable at www.thechangewizard.com
