When we think of where a mentoring session will take place, we naturally think of sitting indoors in a small meeting room or virtually.  As we begin to embrace the sunnier days, we wanted to look at the benefits of holding a mentoring session outdoors whether in person or remotely.

Whilst the vast majority of mentoring sessions are now often done remotely via some form of Video Chat, the concept of mentoring outside can still be of benefit, with either mentor, mentee, or both taking the technology they use for their remote meeting to the outdoors.

Research suggests that time outdoors boosts our energy levels, through increased oxygen intake and boosted vitamin D levels from sunlight.  From a mentoring perspective, greater energy can encourage innovative thinking, increased focus and more commitment to the mentee’s objectives. Vitamin D also boosts our mood, which in turn can help us engage a can-do approach, enabling us to believe in ourselves and our ability to overcome obstacles.  In addition, being outdoors also removes the mentor and mentee, physically and metaphorically, from their everyday life to-do lists and stresses, enabling them both to see problems in a different light.

A mentoring session can be elevated where the mentor and mentee are developing creative solutions to situations.  Being outdoors can encourage this creativity.  We can all recognise that feeling of being stuck trying to solve a problem, only to find a solution when we head out for a walk.  The reasons behind this are complex, as nature affects the human brain in a number of ways.  However, the combination of reduced stress, increased cognitive performance, more energy and a better mood, all contribute.

A further benefit of holding a mentoring session outside is being away from distractions, such as  people popping into the office or meeting room for “a quick word”.  Being outside allows the mentor and mentee to properly connect with one another, giving them the space to discuss the issues they wish to cover.

Of course there can be disadvantages to meeting outside.  Most importantly the UK weather!  In the UK we know that we cannot rely on the weather being kind to us.  So it may not be easy to plan for a mentoring session to be outside, but where the weather allows the session to take place outside, it can provide many benefits.  A further issue that the mentor and mentee need to consider when planning their mentoring session to take place outdoors, is confidentiality. Where the mentee or mentor want to discuss issues of a confidential or sensitive nature, the venue needs to be considered carefully, ensuring that others won’t be able to overhear the conversation.   The outdoors can also present distractions, including noise, insects, the temperature, or other people, all of which can be difficult to control and can disrupt focus.  In addition, technology can present limitations to the mentoring session where access to Wi-Fi or power outlets are required and limited.

The individual mentor and mentee need to agree whether an outdoor mentoring session is appropriate for their needs.  However, where the disadvantages can be managed, we believe an outdoor session can bring a whole host of benefits, giving the mentor’s and mentee’s minds space to re-engage, encouraging greater focus and creativity, and improving decision-making.

As John Muir, a Scottish-American naturalist, author, and conservationist said: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks”.