)Every morning—come rain, sleet, snow, gale-force winds, or beautiful sunshine—I walk our chocolate Labrador, Cookie. Without fail, I bump into one of two fellow dog walkers, and before we know it, we’ve walked the entire route together. By the end of an hour, we’ve shared updates about work, family, and, of course, our beloved dogs. And somehow, whatever was worrying, upsetting, or stressing us out seems to have lifted.
This got me thinking: Are we unknowingly engaging in dog-walking therapy? And if so, what can we learn from this that applies to leadership and workplace well-being?
Take one of my dog-walking friends, for example. She’s facing a significant dilemma at work—something that’s really weighing her down. While I’m a qualified coach, I don’t step into that role during our walks. Instead, I simply listen. She talks, offloads her thoughts, and, in the process, finds clarity.
The same happens for me. Recently, I was frustrated about how much time and effort it is taking to add B-roll to my online videos. As I voiced my concerns, my friend gave me the space to express my frustrations. And then, suddenly, I found my own solution.
This is the power of open conversation with people who are willing to listen. It’s about being given the space to express yourself, without judgment or the expectation of immediate solutions. Add to that the calming influence of nature and the joyful antics of dogs chasing each other through puddles, and you have a perfect recipe for stress relief and fresh perspectives.
Leadership Lessons from a Dog Walk
As a leader, you don’t need to walk dogs with your team (though that would be fun!), but you can apply these principles to create a healthier, more supportive workplace. Here’s how:
- Be an Active Listener – Just like my friend and I do for each other, leaders should provide a safe space for employees to voice their thoughts. Sometimes, people don’t need solutions; they just need to be heard.
- Encourage Walking Meetings – Taking discussions outside the office—whether it’s a stroll around the block or a walking one-on-one—can help clear minds, spark creativity, and improve mental well-being.
- Foster a Supportive Culture – When employees feel comfortable sharing challenges without fear of judgment, they often find their own solutions. Encourage open dialogue, peer support, and a culture of empathy.
- Recognise the Power of Nature – Time outside can do wonders for mental clarity and stress relief. Consider initiatives like “fresh air breaks” or outdoor brainstorming sessions.
- Lead with Humanity – Employees aren’t just workers; they’re people with emotions, struggles, and victories. Being approachable, empathetic, and willing to listen builds trust and strengthens teams.
Your Turn
What do you do to offload stress? Do you have a pet that helps? Do you find clarity in nature? How does it impact your well-being and productivity? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them!
(Acknowledgment: This blog post was written by me: Jo Blakeley. While I used AI assistance (ChatGPT) for refining grammar and presentation, all ideas, insights, and content are my own.)