People sometimes ask me why I’m a champion for outdoor coaching sessions whenever the weather allows. They wonder if being surrounded by nature might be distracting or worry that it might feel too relaxed, not like a ‘serious’ conversation about life or business.
My experience is that people think better outside. I observe more creativity, a stronger willingness to challenge their beliefs and their way of seeing the world, and a deeper connectedness to what truly matters to them.
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This morning I met a CEO with whom I’ve worked for almost a year. Most of our sessions (including autumn and winter) have taken place in fields or along a river. He’s told me that our sessions are something he looks forward to, not just because of the coaching but also because he gets to spend a few hours outside. He often brings something sweet to enjoy, and I bring tea. We enjoy the sun, the beautiful views, the birds, and sometimes the cows or horses that are curious enough to check us out. It’s relaxed and relaxing.
Relaxed and relaxing don’t mean less effective or impactful.
The CEO I met with this morning outlined the obstacles that were keeping him from creating what he wanted to create. He believed they were external factors he couldn’t do anything about. Most people would agree with him.
But, as Marcus Aurelius said centuries ago, “the obstacle is the way”.
We turned those obstacles into advantages that would help him achieve his goals. He started to feel lighter, more energetic, and more relaxed as we talked. By the end of our conversation, the stress he had been feeling for months was gone. His way of being was very different from when he arrived, allowing him to think more clearly and make better decisions than when stressed.
Oh, and a nice side effect of all this? At the same time, we created over €200,000 in extra revenue that will make all the difference for the future of his organisation.