Shooting the breeze
Chris | October 7, 2009“So you paid this guy Chris Barrow to go for a walk with you?”
It might be a question asked of some of my clients after we have enjoyed a “shoot the breeze” day.
Format:
We go for a walk for 8 hours (including a lunch stop).
Venue:
Anywhere you like – can be in the countryside or a city.
Agenda:
Your 3-year vision.
Your 12-month plan
Your 90-day goals
Yours hopes and fears.
Your opportunities and threats.
You
You
You
Rules:
Preferably fresh air all day.
No interruptions – no phones or Blackberrys
No barriers – we can talk about anything
100% confidentiality on the conversation.
Result:
A client who has had a chance to “get away from it all” in an environment that they find inspirational – the space to think clearly and discuss in a “safe place” what to do next with their professional life.
With permission, here are some photographs of my last STB day with Alex Jones of Penistone Dental Care, waking around Langsett Reservoir in South Yorkshire.
I have a dog if you want to take it on your next walk.
On a serious note, because you are not taking notes, don’t you forget 80% of what you talk about? I can see that it is more pleasent enviroment no phones or people but dont you end up getting away from business and talking about the rabbit that just ran across instead?
8 hour walks are just fab. My turn either in sunny Africa (lions not invited) or beautiful lake district
dictaphone for the important bits and it’s amazing what you retain because you’re relaxed.