How many times have you seen this play out:

“Hi, Sam, how are you?”
“I’m good, and how about you?”
“I’m good too.”

While well-intentioned, this simple exchange offers little in understanding what’s happening for the other person. After all, how many times did it play out differently?

As a leader, you have the opportunity to see and hear what’s truly going on for another person. To do this:

• set an intention to not rush into the business of a conversation
• Start with a bit of vulnerability, such as, “I find myself feeling down at times given we’ve been dealing with this past year.”
• Follow this with a powerful question, such as “What’s happening for you?”
• Then, give them the time to share whatever is on their heart and mind
• You’ll know what to do next

It’s one of the gifts of leadership. To help another person feel heard and supported.

You’ve got this.