From storage room to boat dock
What our peergroup meeting taught us on space and resonance
It started with a new hotel. We were ready to explore a new location. And then: this room!
Basement. Cold tiles. A supporting pillar in the middle of the room. Neon lighting. Filled with chairs and tables. Zero atmosphere. A conference room with the charm of a storage room.
And even though we as coaches are used to working with what we have, we needed a plan B.
Fortunately, there was a boat dock outside. A few steps into the open air. And suddenly: light. Air. Space. The lightness returned. And our thoughts found new room to breathe.
What had really happened...
We had experienced firsthand what research has long confirmed: rooms are not passive backdrops, but living co-players.
Rooms have a physical and psychological effect. Light, acoustics, materials, colors influence how we present ourselves, how creativity awakens, and how communication comes alive.
We feel this in our posture, our breathing, in the lightness (or heaviness) that spreads throughout the room.
The boat dock—with water, water lilies, and a wide view—acted like an internal light switch for our conversations. Energy began to flow again, and a genuine connection was palpable.
This is no coincidence: natural light, views of greenery, organic shapes – all of these have been proven to reduce stress and open us up to new ideas and deeper encounters.
Why this is important for leadership...
Okay, nice story. But what does this have to do with our everyday work?
Quite a lot.
We always shape culture and collaboration through spaces. Not just physical spaces, but above all emotional and mental spaces.
Whether it's an offsite, a strategy workshop, or a conflict session: spaces shape what becomes possible. So it's worth asking: What kind of atmosphere does what we want to create need? And how do we create it?
Three specific ideas:
- Consciously design the framework conditions: spaces with plenty of daylight, flexible furniture, enough space. Small details, big impact.
- Use the power of nature: A view of greenery reduces stress and opens the mind to new perspectives.
- Invite the right energy: Spaces carry a noticeable vibration. Ask yourself what dynamic the meeting needs and choose the space accordingly.
More than square meters...
Spaces are a lived attitude and visible culture. They show how important what happens in them is to us. They open doors or close them, create space or constrict it.
Good rooms don't happen by chance. They need attention—and people who fill them with meaning and soul.
Leadership also means choosing rooms carefully for what you want to create.
When was the last time you felt: This room is good for me? And what was it that made the difference?
