The Gentle Power of Grace

Last week was a tough one for me personally - I am talking ROUGH. I'm not going to go into the details, and am not at all asking for advice or sympathy (I have a tremendous support system for times such as these!), but it really opened my eyes to how important it is to both give and receive a little grace.

Life’s busy for all of us, and it’s super easy to miss what others may be dealing with — just as they might not be aware of what all is on our plate. So this week, I want to talk about GRACE. It’s not just about being kind; it’s about understanding, having patience, and realizing that with everyone you will ever encounter - clients, colleagues, friends - there is far more than meets the eye.

Here’s how each of us can be a bit more intentional and gracious in our daily lives.

Practice Active Listening

Truly listen to understand, not just to reply. When you’re talking to clients, team members, family, or friends give them your full attention. Listen not just to the words they speak, but pay attention to the feelings they are experiencing and the energy they are giving off. It might just reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Assume Intent

Misunderstandings? They happen a lot. If we start by assuming people mean well, we can keep things positive and empathetic. People's actions and reactions often have far more to do with them & what they're dealing with, than they ever do with us - so, focus on positive intent and lead with grace.

Offer Unsolicited Kindness

Never underestimate a random act of kindness. A compliment, a small favor, or just a genuine ‘thank you’ can make someone’s day a whole lot better. I'm not talking about paying for the car behind you at Starbucks (although that's super sweet), I'm talking about seeking out people who look like they could use a smile. Make this a practice - every. darn. day!

Give the Benefit of the Doubt

Conflicts pop up. Before things escalate, think about the possible reasons behind someone’s actions. You never know what someone is going through. Sometimes, giving them the benefit of the doubt can smooth things over.

Encourage Open Communication

Let’s make sure everyone feels safe to share their thoughts and challenges. Creating a space where people can speak freely builds trust and helps us all get through the tough stuff together. (A big thank you to "my people" who continually give me that gift!).

This week, let’s all work to be more aware and a lot more gracious. You never know when a little patience and understanding can make a big difference — sometimes for others, and sometimes for yourself.

Cheers to a week of spreading grace.

Kristin Andree

"The Advisor's Advisor"