Day #708 - Fear and Connection
Listening hard
Significant changes are afoot in the States, celebrated by some, and lamented by others. In a system with winners and losers, we inherently experience the change of power as things being ‘given’ to us, or ‘taken’ from us, and our opinion as to the value of the decision likely lies in which side of the equation we sit on.
Whichever side of the divide, it’s worth noting that at this time, in the midst of change, there is uncertainty and fear.
In part this is because what is being taken away is being perceived as ‘identity’ more so than ‘stuff’. And for some, this sense of loss is about core identity. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the context of gender identity and recognition, but also in terms of questions of citizenship and belonging.
In this space, exploring leadership in the very smallest of actions, we consider our own role as Social Leaders, and how we impact the system, in small ways, each and every day.
Use your sixty seconds today simply to reach out and listen, across a boundary.
I recognise that I am being disingenuous: the thing I am asking for is the hardest thing of all. To reach out beyond comfort and certainty.
This is not about validation, agreement, or change. it’s simply about connection.
As Social Leaders we should be connected - and interconnected. Held within stories we find comforting, but also connected to those stories where we find difference and dissent.
Ultimately, we are stronger when we forge bonds that provide space for difference. When we can find some elements of ‘togetherness’ even when we are pulled apart.
