Hold Space for Others
In a beautiful conversation this morning convened by Marshall Goldsmith , we were speaking about the moments in which we are most successful in being present and fully engaged. Mary Olson - Menzel tugged at my heart when she said (I'm paraphrasing from memory), "When I hold space for others, making sure they feel seen and heard."
Yes.
Over the past few years, for me, the idea of holding space has shifted from an abstract concept to a very real thing. I notice that some people do it extremely well, and I am investing more and more energy in being able to do it myself.
It can mean making people feel...
In the way that Mary used the term, she meant dropping all efforts to guide or judge another person, and to simply be fully present so that they can express whatever needs to be said.
That, I suspect, is the key: to drop all your other agendas and simply be present.
Not just to listen, but to also feel.
Not to add value, but instead to recognize how valuable the other person is.
It's a rare thing to be seen, heard and cherished. So rare, in fact, that holding space for another is perhaps the greatest gift you can offer them.
Thanks Mary, Marshall, Bill Carrier , Sally Helgesen , Michael Canic , Connie Dieken , Ayse (Eye-Shay) Birsel , Mark Reiter and Srikumar Rao —and many others—for holding space for me this morning.
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Educator & Engager in Diverse Communities through Da'wah efforts
3 个月Beautifully stated; I always appreciate your insight. Whatever happened to the virtual group meetings? I haven't gotten updates in a while.
Co-founder | Innovative Products | Creativity and Development Advisor
3 个月The ultimate leadership skill ??
Connecting Businesses with Global Solutions | Field Sales Executive at DHL Express
3 个月"Not to add value, but instead to recognize how valuable the other person is." What a statement!
Chief Copywriting Officer & CEO of CaringMessenger Copywriting/Christ-Centered/Upside-Down Eternal Lens Leadership| Foodie for Fun #YDHTCIA (you don't have to carry it all)
3 个月Hold space for your neighbor?? Who’s your neighbor? Everyone who comes through, in, or around your space. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. You want to talk about unity? Whoop- there it is??????
Empowering HR & Operations Team Leaders to Drive Successful Change | Boost Engagement & Innovation for Sustainable Growth | 15+ Yrs. Supporting Organisational Change & Professional Transitions | Executive Coach, Trainer
3 个月I love this! As a coach I hold space alot for others and I love doing it. So few people truly get that space to feel heard and understood. As I've developed my coaching I've learned how to be more present and let go of what question to ask next. That's often what gets in the way of us being fully present and holding space. Amazingly I've discovered that when I'm fully present and just focus on them, the next question naturally emerges.