Grace and Space

One of my favorite new practices I learned from the team is to ask, “What are you bringing into the meeting?” at the start of every team meeting.

The question prompts team members to share (whatever they are comfortable with sharing) what’s going on in their personal lives; the good, and the bad.

We all share our current joys, excitement, struggles, and challenges that may impact our ability to be present, perform, respond, or just our general well-being.

Sometimes, a request is made for grace and space.

That request is always met with team members jumping in to provide cover, support, and raised hands to step in where needed.

It’s truly heart-warming to witness.

We all have our personal joys and struggles outside of work that can impact our well-being, our performance, our ability to focus, and communication.

It’s human nature.

Especially in these times, people might be dealing with illnesses, family struggles, anxiety, depression, stress about the pandemic or otherwise, among other challenges and stresses.

I will take this practice with me and I encourage you to do the same.

Ask the question and give grace and space where needed.