We are a country of humans that tends to create categories of people and this leads quickly to US and THEM. Once we do that, we lose the WE.

Yet, we know that to create success in our families, communities, businesses, and world, the “WE” needs to be fostered because when everyone is seen and heard, people know that their experience is respected and understood by others.

With everything that’s coming at us daily, it can be very difficult to pause long enough to really understand what it’s like for other people – to have empathy for their experience – especially when their experience is vastly different from our own.

Remember, below the disagreements,
there are many things we share with one another
simply as humans.

Before party, before state, and before country, we are simply human: we love our children; we have the need for food, shelter, safety, and the opportunity to pursue meaningful work; we all laugh, and we all grieve. All of us.

As a country, we’re rocked by the deep division that’s been illuminated, and by the challenges of living through a global pandemic. We have to take a breath, pause, and remember that we’re all trying to claim our place in a world that’s changing fast because belonging is a human need – for all of us.

As a leader in your life, you have the opportunity to demonstrate a respect for difference, an acknowledgment of people’s fears, and an invitation to take action from your best self.

Leadership is your willingness to influence others and (just as importantly) your willingness to be influenced by others so that you can invite the people in your life to stand together with you, to create rather than destroy.

As a leader, whether at an office, in your home, or out in the community, you know that when people remain divided, it spirals into blame and fear.

The strongest families, businesses, and communities,
get things done when they stand together
for a common vision with the belief that
everyone has something to offer – all of us.

To be a powerful leader in today’s world means that we each must avoid treating people like “other,” and instead, stand together.

We know people are struggling. If we can help you, your team, or your business, let us know.

These times are painful, yes, and they are also rich with possibilities.

Be well.

In the video below, Stephanie and Heather talk about how standing together can create a more cohesive team.