How to Build a Business Others Want to Buy

Chapter 7Management by walking around (the lake)

What did Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Marcus Aurelius all have in common? They were all great writers but they were also avid walkers, and each waxed lyrical on the wondrous properties of walking. They were right. Numerous studies show that walking facilitates divergent thinking, a thought process that generates a range of solutions to a possible problem: that it irons out the kinks in a concept and helps create perspective and generates unusual or unexpected possibilities.

I stumbled on the surprising benefits of walking during COVID-19. I had a major decision to make, was stressed and couldn't think straight. I live near a beautiful lake so I went for a walk to clear my mind. Two hours and 10 kilometres later, I returned home, had a snack and I had the answer to my problem. I enjoyed the walk and the clarity of thought it provided so much, I got up at dawn the next day and did it all again. I appreciate the quiet pleasure of being up and out before the rest of the world has woken up.

I invited my brother Daen along one morning as he had to make an important investment decision for his manufacturing business and needed a guiding hand. I met him at the lake, we walked and talked, and he found the cleansing nature of the walk so stimulating, he joined me again the next day.

When the COVID-19 restrictions really kicked in, the only way I could connect with my management team was by meeting up outside. So, I invited one of my ...