Some conversations are never easy – whether it’s giving honest feedback, addressing conflict, or checking in on someone who isn’t quite themselves. But one thing we’ve learned, both through experience and research, is that where and how these conversations happen can make all the difference.
We’ve seen time and again – that stepping outside helps people open up. There’s something about the rhythm of walking, the fresh air, and the absence of four walls that softens the edges of even the most difficult discussions. Science agrees.
The power of walking and talking
Research backs up what many of us instinctively know – walking side by side makes tough conversations easier.
A 2024 study by Greene King, released in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, found that 52% of men prefer to have meaningful conversations side-by-side rather than face-to-face. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to talk is shoulder to shoulder, not across a table.
And it’s not just men. A 2023 study found that people negotiating while walking outdoors experienced lower negative emotions, greater trust, and better outcomes than those sitting indoors. The shared movement, changing scenery, and lack of direct eye contact create an environment where people feel more relaxed and open to listen.
Nature changes the conversation
When we take conversations outside – whether on a path through the Bannau Brycheiniog or simply around the block – we remove some of the pressures that exist in more formal spaces. Research from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that walking seminars held outdoors led participants to report higher wellbeing, better focus, and a stronger sense of connection with others.
In leadership development, these benefits are transformative. Outdoors, hierarchy dissolves. Titles and job roles fade into the background, replaced by shared experience and genuine dialogue. The simple act of walking side by side builds trust, flattens barriers, and invites authenticity – the very ingredients of effective communication and strong leadership.
Turning conversations into opportunities
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about having the right conversations at the right time in the right way. Taking those conversations outdoors can be a catalyst for change. It gives people the physical and emotional space to reflect, to feel heard, and to speak honestly.
So the next time you need to check in with a colleague, give feedback, or tackle a difficult issue – try stepping outside. Swap the boardroom for a mountain trail or even a quiet walk through the park.
Because when we give people the time to reflect and the space to feel safe, those difficult conversations can become opportunities for trust, growth, and clarity – and sometimes, that starts with a simple walk.