Boardroom meetings may sometimes feel constraining. Some may be unable to fully express their thoughts during such meetings, especially when they have to deal with others with intimidating personalities.
While this traditional way of exchanging thoughts and ideas still has value, executives today have found a more effective way to hold meetings. As a bonus, this new method also makes you healthier.
“Walk the talk” is taking the meeting outside for a walk. Experts say this is a powerful way of making employees more creative, more inspired, more energized and alert.
It helps people think more clearly and come up with better solutions.
THE REWARDS OF “WALK THE TALK” MEETINGS
Obviously, “walk the talk” meetings would not be effective if you need to talk to different department heads or if you have a video presentation.
However, if you’re brainstorming with one or two people, you may want to conduct this while you walk around the nearby park or round the office building.
Some of these benefits are:
- Employees can share their ideas more openly without the constraints of the four corners of the conference room.
- Being outside the office allows an individual to be more creative. A breath of fresh air enables individuals to come up with unique ideas.
- It helps keep employees healthier and happier. This creates a positive environment that reflects on the company.
And it is also better than sitting for several hours in the office.
SITTING IS KILLING YOU
Researchers have found that sitting for long periods of time may lead to metabolic disorders and obesity. It can result in higher blood pressure, and higher blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Sitting too much has also been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Many office workers often complain about how their back hurts and how their shoulders become stiff after a day spent sitting at work. This is also true for executives.
Typically, a hardworking executive works between 45 to 48 hours a week. You can simply imagine how much time he spends just sitting on a chair.
Despite knowing the importance of exercise, many executives do not have time for an early morning jog because they need to be at the office or meet important people. They also want to spend time with their families after work instead of jogging or hitting the gym This is why some offices are encouraging their executives and staff to conduct their meetings while walking.
Regardless how much work you have to do in a day, you should always find time to stretch and make your blood flow. Always consider taking a few minutes of walking up and down the stairs.
The impact of movement can be profound. Think about the health benefits that both employers and employees can have which begin with just a few steps.
(Armando Bartolome is known as the Philippines’ Franchise Guru, a business mentor to numerous micro entrepreneurs who are now themselves big names in the industry. This article is reposted with the author’s permission and was previously published on The Business Mentor column posted by ABSCBN News. For questions and more information, you may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome by email:philfranchiseguru@gmail.com or on Twitter @philfranguru. His website is www.gmb.com.ph)
