Tired of Zoom fatigue and Slack pings? Try LBWA (Leadership by Walking around). There’s something refreshingly old-school—and surprisingly effective—about a leader who shows up. It’s time to redo what used to be popular and bring it back.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
My mentor is a very successful man who is handing me the keys to take over his amazing business.
He also happens to be my fun uncle.
Growing up, he often told me stories about what happened at work. While it was entertaining to listen to what he said, now that I am in charge, it seems so dated—like a Mad Men episode with a martini lunch.
I would love to hear your perspective. This is especially meaningful since I recently completed your online Total Leadership Connections program. I want to keep, as you say, “keep going and growing.”
What are the benefits of this type of leadership visibility?
My days are filled with solving problems and keeping my executive team from unnecessary conflict.
Walking around seems meaningless to me in this tech-advanced day and age.
I appreciate hearing from you and seeing new ways of leadership engagement.
Signed,
Curious Leader
Leadership by Walking Around (LBWA)
Dear Curious
What is old is about to become new again.
LBWA isn’t a fancy theory. It’s a humble, hands-on practice where leaders literally walk around their organization, engage in spontaneous conversations, observe operations, and build authentic relationships.
Sounds simple? It is.
But effective? Oh yes. And complicated when done wrong.
Let’s unpack the benefits and drawbacks of LBWA so you can walk confidently, not stalk the halls like a corporate ghost.
What Is Leadership by Walking Around (LBWA)?
LBWA is exactly what it sounds like: instead of managing from a corner office or dashboard, leaders actively visit different departments, talk with employees, observe workflow, and listen without an agenda.
My research indicates that this more community-based model of work began over fifty years ago.It was popularized by Hewlett-Packard in the 1970s and embraced by leaders like Steve Jobs and Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines). It remains relevant today, mainly when used intentionally and with emotional intelligence.
The Benefits of Leadership by Walking Around
Keep reading to decide if the benefits outweigh the negatives.
Boosts Visibility and Approachability
When leaders step out from behind closed doors, employees notice. It signals, “I care. I’m here.”
Leadership visibility boosts employee morale and workplace culture.
- Builds trust and human connection
- Helps flatten hierarchical barriers
- Encourages team members to speak more openly
Real-Time Problem-Solving
By witnessing day-to-day operations firsthand, leaders can identify bottlenecks, outdated processes, or morale issues before they become major breakdowns.
- See problems that never make it into reports
- Encourage proactive dialogue
- Fix issues in the moment, or start strategic fixes
Inspires Higher Engagement
Employees feel more valued when leadership observes their work and celebrates wins, big or small.
- Recognition on the spot = instant motivation
- Reinforces a culture of appreciation
- Inspires discretionary effort (that extra push)
Promotes Cross-Department Understanding
LBWA helps leaders connect the dots between teams and functions that often operate in silos.
- Learn what marketing really needs from ops
- See how the support staff are holding things together
- Build systems thinking and reduce turf wars
Strengthens Organizational Culture
The presence of a leader is more potent than any mission statement on the wall. How you show up says everything.
- You embody the values
- You model the behavior
- You show culture is not a poster—it’s how we act daily
The Pitfalls and Negatives of LBWA (Yes, They Exist).
This is where you decide if it is worth it or to forget it:
Can Feel Like Micromanaging
When done poorly, LBWA can come off as “snooping” or “checking up”—especially if your tone feels more interrogative than curious. Please remember to simply ask “How’s it going?” rather than “Why are you doing it this way?”
- Employees may freeze up
- Trust may erode instead of grow
- People may “perform” instead of be real
Disrupts Workflow
Let’s face it—nobody loves being interrupted during deep work, even by the CEO.
- Watch the timing
- Respect focus time
- Don’t linger if it’s not a good moment
Lack of Follow-Through Damages Credibility
If you ask for input but never act on it, your walk-throughs become theatrical, and your credibility will suffer.
- Document what you hear
- Circle back with updates
- Follow up, or people will stop talking
Can Be Perceived as Inauthentic
If your walkabouts only happen before board meetings or performance reviews, employees will sniff out the motive faster than you can say “transparency.”
- Be consistent, not performative
- Make it part of your weekly rhythm, not a stunt
- Don’t only show up when there’s a crisis
Physically and Mentally Draining
Let’s be honest. Being “on” in multiple departments back-to-back is exhausting. You need presence, focus, and energy. If you don’t manage your stress, you’ll pass it on.
- Take breaks between visits
- Don’t fake energy—ground yourself first
- Practice your stress mastery
So… Should You Walk Around?
Only if you’re willing to be present, authentic, and engaged.
And you are willing to create a workplace culture where employees feel safe and respected.
LBWA isn’t about wandering like a lost tourist with a badge. It’s about intentional presence—building relationships, catching problems early, and inspiring connections across your organization.
It’s low-tech, high-touch, and 100% human.
Modern Tips for Walking Around the Right Way
Here are ways to ensure you are walking around with th best intent.
- Schedule It—But Keep It Casual: Block time on your calendar weekly. Then go freestyle.
- Prepare—But Don’t Script: Have a few good questions in mind (“What’s working well?” “What’s slowing you down?”).
- Be Curious, Not Critical: Listen more than you speak.
- Track Themes: Jot down recurring insights. Please share them with your leadership team.
- Follow Up: If you said you’d look into something, do it. Then tell them what happened.
Tying It All Together: Invisible Stress and Leadership Presence
From the lens of Invisible Stress (the kind that simmers under the surface), LBWA can be a pressure release valve—or a stress multiplier. It depends on how you show up.
- Are you reactive or responsive?
- Are you judgmental or curious?
- Are you showing up with your team, or at your team?
Remember: Stress is contagious. So is calm.
—From “Invisible Stress (It’s NOT What YOU Think!)
Leadership by walking around is most powerful when one is grounded, centered, and ready to listen, not lecture.
FINAL WORD on LBWA
Done right, LBWA is like leadership jazz: improvised, in-tune, and unforgettable.
Done wrong, it’s like elevator music: awkward, repetitive, and easy to ignore.
So go ahead—lace up those leadership shoes and hit the floor. Your presence might be your most powerful tool.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. FREE DOWNLOAD: “The Smart Leader’s Walkaround Checklist” Get our free PDF with 10 questions to ask during your walkarounds—plus a reflection sheet to make sure you’re walking with purpose. Please send me an email, [email protected], and it’s yours.
