Lead from the middle of the halls by walking slowly

On his first day as department head, Marcos spent every afternoon at his desk, heads-down on email. A week later, the rumor mill had labeled him aloof and unapproachable. Projects stalled as few dared interrupt his flow.

Then he took a tip from a mentor and swapped focus: he led ‘hall-walks.’ Each afternoon he strolled the corridors for ten minutes, smiling and asking, “How’s it going?” People unfroze. Ideas and challenges poured out. By week three, his inbox was fuller with insights than emails—and project velocity doubled.

Neuroscience calls this the ‘proximity effect’: our brains release oxytocin in friendly face-to-face contact, boosting cooperation. Leaders aren’t on pedestals—they’re in the crowd.

Now Marcos manages time not just with tasks, but with steps. He plans hallway sprints, knocks on lab doors, and even pops into the breakroom. His team calls him accessible and caring—proof that leadership is a walk in the halls, not a sit at the desk.

Tomorrow at 3 p.m., step away from your screen and walk slowly through your team’s workspace. Greet three people by name and listen for one challenge you can help solve. You’ll be amazed at the progress that comes from just showing up.