Are you going for another coffee!?!?!
- Simon Gordon
- Apr 17, 2024
- 3 min read
I hear this question perhaps not weekly but certainly often. This is why it makes me smile.
Building Strategic Networks:
I have believed for quite some time, scratch that, from the moment I took my first role the most important resource available to us are people. Not just those people who work in the same organisation as us but other like-minded people in key partner organisations.
I also worked out very quickly that I didn’t have all the answers needed to be successful.
Without the support of these many, many people and the knowledge/insights they have, strategic leadership would be and would have been much more difficult.
Many of us have heard how Google deliberately engineered its workspaces to facilitate "casual collisions" among employees during coffee breaks. This intentional approach resulted in a cross-pollination of ideas, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The success of Pixar perhaps best demonstrates this phenomenon, where the concept for "Toy Story" emerged from a casual lunchtime discussion. Steve Jobs' visionary design of Pixar's headquarters aimed at encouraging chance encounters, recognising their pivotal role in fuelling creativity.
The success of Starbucks is another layer to this argument. Starbucks was specifically designed to be inviting spaces, aimed to encourage customers to linger and engage in conversations. Former CEO, Howard Schultz envisioned Starbucks as a "third place," or venue between work and home where people could foster informal connections. This strategy transformed Starbucks into a community hub where business deals and friendships often originated.
A Pause for Reflection: The Mindful Aspect of Coffee Breaks
The relentless pace of modern-day work means moments for self-reflection are frequently overlooked. They are seen by some as frivolous or even a luxury. The fact is they are essential.
Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, attests to this principle by advocating for mindfulness and reflection during coffee breaks. This intentional practice contributed to his effectiveness as a leader and is fundamental to his success.
The Japanese concept of "forest bathing" sits squarely with the notion of utilising coffee breaks for reflective interludes. Imagine stepping outside during a break, surrounded by nature, allowing for moments of introspection. It is not merely a break; it is a
pause that can enhance creativity and resilience.
Walking Meetings: Shifting the Dynamics of Collaboration
Apple we all know helped revolutionise technology but also revolutionised conventional meetings by advocating for walking meetings. Steve Jobs’ belief in the liberating nature of walking discussions aligns with research from Stanford University, revealing that walking boosts creative thinking.
Mindful Coffee Breaks at Google:
Google, as mentioned earlier are famous for workplace innovation, they promoted "mindful pauses" as part of the workday. This concept aligns with the idea of utilising coffee breaks for intentional self-reflection.
Google recognised that fostering a culture of well-being involves empowering employees to prioritise their mental and emotional health.
The Coffee Corner at LinkedIn HQ served as a testament to the importance of creating spaces for spontaneous connections. This designated area transcended the functional aspects of grabbing a coffee and took it further by evolving it into a hub for unplanned interactions.
Microsoft's commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration is evident in its redesigned office spaces. The Microsoft Treehouse, a meeting space nestled in the woods, symbolises the company's dedication to providing unconventional settings for brainstorming and discussions. This departure from the traditional office setup aims to spark creativity and enhance employee well-being.
The invitation, "Let’s meet for coffee?" should be seen as an invitation to more than just a break. It is an opportunity to build relationships that help leaders transcend the office structure, a moment for self-reflection that can shape our leadership journey.
If you want to meet for a coffee, please get in touch.
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