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Parents of teenagers might notice how conversations flow more easily in the car. There’s something about sitting side by side, looking ahead, that makes it less awkward to open up.

Too often, we sit across from each other to hash out the tough things—arguments, negotiations, decisions. The table becomes a barrier, the eyes a challenge. But when we sit next to one another, there’s a quiet invitation: let’s not oppose; let’s explore.

This was brought to life for me during a discussion with the Co-Pilots of Coaching On the Go. We were asked to sit shoulder to shoulder instead of face to face and, in turn, reflect on a simple question. It felt different. The lack of eye contact created space. Ideas flowed more naturally. A comment from Andrej (Andy) Drinovsky struck me. He mentioned how this way of connecting goes back to our ancestors, gathering around fires at night. The conversations they would have in this way strengthened bonds and built community – they weren’t just practical, they were human.

Today, as leaders work to rebuild company culture, maybe it’s time to move away from across-the-desk conversations and create modern “firepits,” making space for connection, trust, and understanding.

Next time a tough conversation looms, try tackling it sitting shoulder to shoulder. You might find that the barriers fall away, and solutions spark in the shared view ahead.

It is Monday January 13th 2025. I am launching a website and a blog with no idea where it might take me. All I know is I would regret not doing this.

The top ten happiest countries in the world in 2024?

1st: Finland

2nd: Denmark

3rd: Iceland

4th: Sweden

7th: Norway

(20th: United Kingdom)

The world’s most productive countries in 2024 ?

3rd: Norway

4th: Denmark

6th: Iceland

9th: Sweden

(14th: United Kingdom)

The countries with the best work/life balance in 2024 ?

4th: Denmark

7th: Finland

9th: Norway

(15th: United Kingdom)

• I am not saying ‘Scandi good – British bad’, this is far more nuanced than that.
• We are not comparing like-for-like poulations, economic models etc. However, don’t these statistics warrant discussion?
• What can we learn from these happier, more productive economies?
• How do they think about work?
• What is important to them about it?
• What does the UK do well that the Scandinavians could learn from?

This is the conversation I am going to start. Let’s go.