Holding space – what is it that we don’t or do about holding space for someone else. Do we trust the people who listen to us? How can we improve on this?
How can we hold space for someone, Good Therapy has some ideas on how to do this.
Holding space and listening is important for your relationships to survive. I know this all too well. My mother would share what was going on in in life with my siblings and her friends. “Mom, I asked you not to share by telling my siblings and your friends, what’s going on in my life. If I want them to know what’s going on, I will tell them myself.” She was miffed. Her reply was that she “meant well.”
I’m sure this happens to other people on a personal level and then again the situation repeats itself with you and your workplace friends.
**If someone shares they are depressed and expresses they want to hurt themselves, please do get them help, or provide some resources that may help them. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Just don’t go out and gossip about them to someone else. It’s a violation of trust and respect. No matter what your intention or agenda is about it. I’ve let go of friendships because of this.
The biggest challenge for us to listen is not trying to fix the problem or situation that is being expressed by the people who are speaking to us. Listen. Don’t react. Don’t think about what you are going to say back at them. Just listen. Don’t try to fix it. If the person who is sharing wants help, let them ask for it or get permission first.
I feel giving space to someone you don’t know is easier – as you are not attached to them. If you are wanting someone to listen to you, I’m opening up some time to do this. Listening is one of the most valuable things you can do to create trust, understanding to develop better relationships with people. Most of the time, people aren’t looking for a fix, they just need to have someone to listen to them, to be heard.
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P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast series about workplace culture for CEO’s and Business Owners.