1. Increased relaxation and reduced stress
Nature lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and creating a more relaxed atmosphere for conversation. Walking helps release tension and encourages a more open posture.
2. Improved mental clarity and creativity
Research shows that time spent in nature enhances cognitive functions such as problem-solving and creativity. Walking stimulates the brain through increased oxygen intake and movement.
3. Deeper and more open conversations
Walking side by side, rather than sitting opposite one another, reduces social pressure and allows conversations to flow more naturally. Silences feel more comfortable and create space for reflection.
4. Physical benefits that support wellbeing
Physical activity increases the production of endorphins, helping coachees feel more positive. Blood pressure and heart rate are lowered, contributing to a calmer overall state.
5. Stronger connection with self and surroundings
A natural environment helps people step away from distractions and be more present in the moment. Nature is also used in exercises that focus on sensing and feeling — something that comes more easily in a natural setting.
Sources:
Korpershoek, C., Klok, L., & van den Berg, A. E. (2021).
Walk it off! The effectiveness of walk and talk coaching in nature for individuals with burnout- and stress-related complaints. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 76, 101649.
Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015).
Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567–8572.
Oppezzo, M., & Schwartz, D. L. (2014).
Give your ideas some legs: The positive effect of walking on creative thinking. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 40(4), 1142–1152.
There is broad scientific consensus that well-functioning teams are made up of individuals who know themselves, take responsibility, and dare to contribute their unique strengths. This is where personal leadership and individual leadership come together — and it is the connection between these two that makes a team stronger.
1. Increased engagement and motivation
Team members who demonstrate personal leadership feel a stronger sense of ownership over their contribution and are intrinsically motivated to contribute to team goals.
2. Improved communication and collaboration
Individual leadership fosters open communication, enabling team members to work together more effectively and to resolve conflicts constructively.
3. Strengthened trust and psychological safety
When team members take initiative and show responsibility, mutual trust grows, creating a safe environment in which people feel confident to speak up.
4. Increased innovation and creativity
Teams that encourage individual leadership are better able to develop innovative solutions and bring creative ideas into practice.
5. Greater adaptability to change
Individual leadership enables team members to respond proactively to change and challenges, making the team as a whole more agile.
Sources:
Chun, J. U., Cho, K., & Sosik, J. J. (2016).
A multilevel study of group-focused and individual-focused transformational leadership, social exchange relationships, and performance in teams. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 37(3), 374–396.
Zhang, X., Li, N., Ullrich, J., & van Dick, R. (2015).
Getting everyone on board: The effect of differentiated transformational leadership by CEOs on top management team effectiveness and leader-rated firm performance. Journal of Management, 41(7), 1898–1933.
Hou, L., Song, L. J., Zheng, G., & Lyu, B. (2021).
Linking identity leadership and team performance: The role of group-based pride and leader political skill. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 732.
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