My TakeStrategic placement of office toilet? You can take your loo theory and flush it

Management theories are like fashion trends. Though most have only a short shelf life, the zaniest ideas are no barrier to becoming the trendiest.

I once reported on a leadership retreat for a very large insurance company where co-workers - two by two holding hands - had to walk or run over burning coals. Several didn't show up for work the next day.

The latest fad, apparently, has to do with the location of the office toilet, among other things. Placed strategically, a trip to the loo may encourage chance encounters between colleagues.

This is supposed to encourage creativity, teamwork and exchanges with people from different departments and sections.

It helps break down divisions and compartmentalisation in the office.

According to reports in The Times of London and The Guardian, the late Steve Jobs was big on the idea about "serendipitous and fluid meeting spaces" for Apple workers. So are Facebook and Shutterstock, a photo company.

Personally, going to the loo is an extremely personal and urgent experience.