Leading with Love

In a world that’s all-in on judgment, condemnation, and cancellation, we need to be a sign of something truer and better and far more difficult: the work of reconciliation. It’s not that there’s never a time for argument or speaking the truth, but until there’s trust - until the other person really feels heard and knows we care about them, not just getting our way - arguments only drive the wedges deeper. Reconciliation should be our goal, not the need to be right.

This means being willing to listen without planning a response or counterargument; being humble enough to admit that we may not have the whole picture; considering the possibility that there are things we don't know or understand - perhaps even things that we are wrong about. Look around your circle of family, friends, and coworkers. With whom are you at odds? This week, seek them out, listen to them, and begin practicing the hard work of reconciliation.