Google is certainly one of the world’s most innovative and effective companies. Therefore they theoretically have important business practices aiding in their efficiency and genius. One such practice circulated a few years back, though I can’t find any confirmation from the folks at Google. This practice was mentioned again to me this weekend. And whether it’s confirmed or unconfirmed, I think it’s worth mentioning.
Rumor has it, Google at one time required all meetings to be “stand up” meetings. No chairs, just a circle. Why? It’s the “let’s get this over with and get back to work” factor. When you’re sitting, it’s easy to relax back in that comfy conference room chair and zone out while your boss runs numbers, but when you’re standing, it’s not so easy.
And it doesn’t just work for group meetings. One savvy Minnesota business woman is known for her “walk and talks” with staff and colleagues. If you have a 1:1 scheduled with her, you’d better wear comfy shoes because 99% of the time, she’ll start the meeting with, “Let’s walk and talk.”
Standing gets your blood flowing, your body engaged in the process and your mind ready to make decisions quickly and move on. Walking even more so. Imagine having a meeting about next steps in a project while you are literally perpetuating forward motion. Your body’s movements will match the meetings movements, adding to productivity and enhancing efficiency.
So the next time you’re stuck on an idea or can’t stand the idea of one more boring meeting, shake things up a little and propose a standing meeting or a “walk and talk”. You might just see results.
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
Have you heard of treadmill conference rooms? I've heard a lot of healthcare companies are starting to incorporate them into their offices.
So cool! I know someone who has a treadmill desk, but I hadn't heard of full conference rooms. That would rock!