Look, life is full of ups and downs. We all have our own shit to deal with—be it relationship woes, money troubles, health concerns, or family drama. Life isn’t a straight path, it’s a maze. 

The trick to navigating this maze is empathy and understanding. But these aren’t just buzzwords; they require real effort. Here’s why:  

1.You’ve got to know the people you’re leading or supporting. If folks don’t trust you enough to share their struggles, you can’t offer genuine support. Not to mention, it becomes even harder to notice when your people are struggling. In short, create psychological safety and build a safe space before the storm hits. 

2. And let’s talk about respect. Earn it before you need to cash it in. Get to know the people around you—not just as teammates but as human beings. There’s more to life than work, and it’s important that everyone around you knows that. When you know their full story, you’re better equipped to lend a hand or an ear during hard times. 

3. Last but certainly not least: Appreciation. In order to build a strong relationship with your team, learn to appreciate the whole person and the people who impact their lives the most. Whether they have a close-knit family or come from a hostile environment, understanding a person in their entirety will give you a greater appreciation for them, the work they do, and the life they lead when something does come up.  

Trust and understanding go hand in hand. When you open up and extend that grace, people are more willing to lean on you during tough times. Because when you give a shit, people are more willing to invest in your mission and give a shit, too.  

Got an awesome story about a time you showed someone some grace? We’d love to hear it!