Holding A Bigger Space
Holding more space around us as we each bump through the world is one of the daily practices a leader can employ. It's about expanding your awareness versus letting it contract.
An educational adage suggests that all it takes for one child to change their life is for one person to believe they can. I love this idea as it speaks to the latent possibility within each of us, a possibility that the loving attention of another can activate. A teacher believing in what a kid can do, is often the difference maker in that kid's life. I hope anyone reading this has felt that at some point.
I hope you have had the feeling that someone held a belief in you that was bigger than your belief in yourself. Believing in the best version of others is one way we could perceive this idea of holding a bigger space.
“You lead best when the best version of you speaks to the best version of us.”
– Matt Church
Another way we can hold a bigger space is to forgive faster. Forgiveness is not about condoning what one has done. In his book On Forgiveness, Richard Holloway shares that forgiveness can only be present for the unforgivable! Obvious in print, subtle in practice.
A third way to hold a bigger space is to adopt a meta-lead perspective. Rising above the day-to-day drama and holding a space for what is happening around us.
Leaders can explore what's happening in and around an issue while simultaneously inquiring into what meaning we are all creating around what may be happening and then seeking the highest theme in the subject by asking, 'What's this really about?'
The matter is always contained in a meaning, nested in a meta context. By commanding the context, one can influence through drama or disruption.
Holding a bigger space is one of the leadership messages in my leadership masterclasses. You can also subscribe to YOU LEADING Youtube channel for more.
