A dear friend of mine, Shannon Shryne, works for a non-profit focused on supporting cutting-edge research to find a cure for ALS, a horrific condition often referred to as Lou Gerig’s disease. Her work is a vital hope for many who suffer from this condition and is revealing new insights into general human fitness and well-being. Shannon recounted to me how more data collection is revealing the positive effects of standing more during the day and using stand-up desks at work.
As a fitness enthusiast, I was naturally intrigued. I work out every day but also sit a lot during the work hours and am often annoyed with my Apple Watch which doesn’t seem to give me proper credit for the total time I stand! (or maybe I wasn’t). I got a stand-up desk at work and just a few weeks in – I really love it. I am more engaged in my work and I am doing more for my health and overall wellbeing during the working hours. I also instituted a 30-minute weekly stand up call for my direct staff, where we do a mini-scrum on our goals and what is ahead for the week.
Another benefit this change brought to my routine is that prior to getting my stand-up desk, I typically would grab a salad for lunch and then bring it back up to my office where I would continue to eat and work (well, as much as I could). But now with my stand-up desk, it is just too awkward, so I have been eating at a conference table. Instead of staring at my screen, I now bring something to read (a tech article I’ve been meaning to read, a blog, or even a presentation I have been wanting to review) while I eat. It has been great! To sit-down for lunch and to learn have been little “gifts” to myself.
This also got me thinking about the age-old, business advice to “never eat alone”. See master networker Keith Ferazzi’s book, “Never Eat Alone”. While I am a big promoter of networking and connecting with others, in today’s massively overscheduled, multitasking world, I think we should eat alone. Giving yourself this mini-break to recharge, relax, and think clearly about what is ahead is an important aspect of our enduring productivity and performance in business and in life. I have always said that the airlines have it right when they advise you to, “Secure your oxygen mask before assisting others.” As a leader, we need and deserve the time to recharge, think and prepare. The power of being quiet and alone is tremendous. Many of you know I am an introvert (yes, it is true), so this “eating alone” thing really plays into my need to recharge. I also encourage it for all of you extroverts out there. It is important for everyone to take time, away from your screens, away from the phone, away from the pile of tasks, and just be. If nothing else, the introverts in your life will appreciate the break from you.
