This week, I have had lots of tough conversations.
But I have also witnessed incredible grace.

Nothing sticks out to me more than when I was delivering bad news to a friend and colleague this week, and she was clearly very upset (with good reason). But then she turned it around on me and said, “I’m sorry, it’s probably been a hard week for you, delivering bad news to so many different people.” Wow, talk about empathy – thinking about how I feel in a time like this?

Her comment reminded me of the humanity of this profession. Sure, we are workers, but we are people first. And people can love and support each other, no matter what the circumstances are.

It also made me think that, while I hate the fact that I have to have some of these conversations, it’s also an honor to be able to stand with people in tough times. I can handle the news with as much compassion, kindness, and care as I can. There’s something so beautifully human about being with people in their brokenness and vulnerability, and mine as well – it creates a bond. A human connection. An authentic relationship.

So, while it stinks to deliver bad news, it comes with an opportunity. Whatever the news or relationship may be professionally, in that moment, we are two people on the same ground, connecting with each other. And that’s worth something.

I guess it hasn’t been such a bad week after all!

Inspired by Brene Brown’s video on empathy – watch it here!