Leadership is about creating environments where people can thrive—not just as employees but as individuals. Yet, in today’s always-on work culture, we often forget the most straightforward truth: people need space to breathe, connect, and grow.
That’s why I believe it’s time to step outside—literally.
Imagine this: once a week, your team leaves behind the screens, the deadlines, and the to-do lists. Together, you take 30 minutes to walk outdoors. No emails. No PowerPoints. Just fresh air and human connection.
I call it Fresh Air Fridays or, Walking Wednesdays, the name is not the important part, the execution is. It’s not just an idea—it’s a movement toward a healthier, more engaged, and more connected workplace.
The Power of Simplicity
Leadership doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the most profound shifts come from the simplest actions. Walking together as a team might seem small, but its impact is transformative.
Here’s why:
- Walking Side by Side Builds Trust: When we walk together, conversations flow naturally. It’s less about hierarchy and more about connection.
- Nature Unlocks Creativity: A Stanford study found that walking outdoors increases creative thinking by up to 60%. Ideas surface, problems seem more manageable, and solutions often come effortlessly.
- Fresh Air Reduces Stress: In just 20 minutes, time outside can lower stress hormones by 20% (Frontiers in Psychology).
The science is compelling, but the true magic of Fresh Air Fridays is in the shift it creates. It reminds us that we’re not just coworkers—we’re people navigating challenges and celebrating victories together.
Leading With Intention
As leaders, our job isn’t to drive people harder. It’s to create the conditions where they can show up as their best selves. A simple walk outside can do just that.
- It builds relationships: Walking side by side fosters conversations that rarely happen in the office.
- It breaks the routine: Fresh air clears the mind, creating space for innovative ideas.
- It shows you care: Taking time to prioritize your team’s well-being sends a clear message: they matter.
How to Start a Movement
You don’t need a big budget or a complex plan to implement this. Start small:
- Choose a time each week—maybe Friday afternoons—to gather your team.
- Pick a simple route: a nearby park, a campus loop, or even just around the block.
- Walk, talk, or simply enjoy the silence. Let the experience evolve naturally.
This isn’t about checking a box. It’s about creating a culture where people feel valued, energized, and connected.
Here’s the truth: organizations don’t thrive because of strategies or processes. They thrive because of people. And people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Fresh Air Fridays is a reminder that leadership is about more than metrics. It’s about creating moments that matter. It’s about stepping away from the noise and stepping toward connection.
If you’re reading this, I challenge you to try it. Gather your team. Step outside. Start small, but dream big. Because when you prioritize people, everything else—engagement, trust, performance—falls into place.
Sometimes, the most revolutionary ideas aren’t found in boardrooms or strategy sessions. They’re found in the quiet moments, walking side by side, breathing fresh air.
Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about creating space for others to find them. And sometimes, that space is just outside the front door.
Let’s lead differently. Let’s lead with heart. Let’s step into something better—together.