Workdays can quickly turn into a schedule of endless meetings and sedentary desk work. Incorporating walking meetings helps boost productivity and increase energy, while keeping your team on the move. They promote a high level of engagement and more creative thinking. Follow the tips below to make your next walking meeting a success.
- Plan Ahead
A successful walking meeting starts with a plan. Ensure all attendees are willing and prepared to participate prior to the scheduled meeting. Preparing beforehand will allow participants to wear or bring the appropriate clothing and footwear for a walk. You will also want to plan out the route. Choose a path that is safe, quiet enough for conversation, and of the appropriate length for the meeting. Finally, you may want to send out any necessary documents or materials for the meeting in advance. Bringing these materials on the walk could be challenging, so this will allow attendees to review first and come ready to discuss.
- Keep it Small
Groups of 4 or fewer tend to be the most productive for walking meetings. This will keep attendees engaged and able to clearly listen throughout the meeting. If groups are too large, it can be difficult to hear the speaker, and side conversations can arise. Larger walking groups can be broken up into smaller focus teams with a quick wrap-up or review at the end.
- Follow an Agenda
Keep your meeting on task with a clear and established agenda. If possible, distribute the agenda to participants in advance. Following an agenda will help ensure topics are covered while staying within the time constraints of the meeting.
- Establish Roles
Giving participants one or two clear roles for the walk will lead to an effective meeting. Someone should facilitate the meeting and follow the agenda to keep everyone on task. You’ll want to ensure someone is paying attention to the time, route, and any safety factors, such as traffic or weather, that could arise. Finally, there should be someone responsible for capturing notes and conversations that can be provided in a follow-up.
- Bring a Phone
Bringing a phone on your walk can be a useful tool. Use it to track the time and route along the way. You can use GPS, should you need to make any stops or choose alternate paths. It can be used for taking notes or recording conversations to provide thorough recaps. You’ll even have it for safety in the event you take a wrong turn or run into an emergency.
- Follow Up in a Timely Manner
A meeting is typically only as good as its follow-through. Ensure success and efficiency by promptly providing post-meeting follow-up. The details will be fresh, easier to summarize, and less likely to be forgotten. Additionally, you can use this follow-up time for any feedback that will make the walking meeting more successful in the future.
Always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise program.
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