Move Well, Lead Well – Benefits of Movement for Leadership and Organisational Performance

Increasingly our workplaces have become sedentary environments. We are in seated positions the majority of the time, lifts replace stairs, rapid access from on-site car parks replaces even short walks from vehicles to offices, and even food delivery to your desk is available. The deficit here is not only on health, but also on cognitive performance especially executive functions. As previously discussed leadership roles are reliant on these functions (decision-making, problem-solving, focus, creativity) and the lack of movement during the workday can be stifling to their optimal performance.

The evident opportunity is to embrace the benefits of movement for leadership, and deploy modes and practices to bring more movement into the workday and your leadership. Research has shown that more movement equals better creativity and focus for more effective problem solving. Movement breaks the sedentary low-productivity cycles of mid-morning and early afternoon, and can engage you and your staff in potentially new and invigorating work practices. All of these benefits can be engaged without any additional cost or intervening on productive work time – in fact improved productivity is facilitated through enhanced relationships, focus and vitality.

3 ways to lead with greater movement;

1. Standing Desks – several research studies have shown that the use of a standing desk improves focus, alertness, lengthens attention span, increases creativity and potentially boosts recall and memory construction – all beneficial enhancements for those in leadership roles. I’ve been a standing desk user for over 2 years, and can vouch for all of these benefits. Personally I recommend Varidesk.com.au, their models sit on an existing desk and don’t require removal or existing office furniture and infrastructure.
2. Walking Meetings – various studies have demonstrated that walking meetings can boost creativity, focus, communication and enhance interrelationship status between management and staff. Johnson & Johnson Wellness Unit research concluded after a 90-day study that participants of walking meetings were more energized, focused and engaged following walking meetings. Walking meetings can be conducive in large groups, numbers up to 4 are reported to work well.  Notes can be taken quickly at intersections of the walk on an email or App such as Notability and then emailed or PDF’d at the end of the meeting. Also it’s recommended not to surprise meeting attendees of the walking format to maximize engagement, appropriate preparation and footwear!
3. Micro workouts – for more of a direct intervention approach, but without the lengthy interruption of a full gym or sports session during the workday, a micro-workout can be revitalising for energy levels and cognitive functions. An example which I’ve recommended to numerous of my Leadership Coaching clients with entirely positive feedback is the 7 minute workout app (see Resources).

The evident question to me is – given the benefits outlined here, why would you not want to bring more movement into your day? Incremental improvements in focus, engagement, creativity, communication for yourself and your team, at very little cost all sound great to me – especially when combined with the added benefits to health and wellbeing generally.

As always, thanks for reading and feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss movement for leadership for yourself or your organisation.

– Tim