There are two known emotional responses to the pain of others. “Empathy”, which motivates us to help and “Distress”, which motivates us to avoid.
However, sometimes when meeting life challenges, all a person needs is sincere acknowledgement of their hardship. They need someone to tell them: “I see your effort dealing with this situation”. Find the courage in yourself to initiate that hard conversation when someone is in crisis. Without feeling bad or sorry for them. Resist the urge of DOING and practice your BEING. Just reach out when a friend or colleague is in pain. Sit with them even in silence. Let their pain touch you as well. Just make them feel they are not alone in this. Do not be afraid of invading their privacy and avoid all sorts of “What if ..” questions. “What if I’m wrong?”, “What if I’m overstepping?”, “What if I make the situation worse?”
Real leaders are NOT non-asking-question observers but openers.
ASK YOURSELF:
What is my natural response to others pain? Who, around me might be in pain these days? What would I do differently, next time I meet them?