What if we held on to things more lightly instead of clenching our fists?

I don’t know about you, but the more I look around, the more I feel a sense of brittleness in the world around us…as if that there's only one path and one way of doing things.

We seem to be unable to hold on to two opposing thoughts, ideas, or considerations.

And it’s having a massive impact in the way we show up, in the way we lead, in the way we treat each other, and most importantly, the way we solve problems...not for one but so everyone involved benefits from it.

The more tightly we hold on, the more energy it takes to pry it open.

Is this the only way of solving it?

I have a big belief that there is another way of solving it.

Perhaps a higher way.

What if instead of holding on with effort and clenched fists, we held on gently, lightly...with an open palm?

Open to holding the idea in our palms. Open to listening to other perspectives. Open to truly understanding a different point of view...and then considering how that might influence the way we think?

When we do this something shifts.

It creates the possibility of real conversation. Of considering multiple perspectives. Of moving beyond either/or thinking...to perhaps a third way.

A better way.

Individuals, teams, organisations and even communities feel heard, and their voices are genuinely being incorporated in solving the problem.

As a leader or senior executive, you have enormous agency in how you show up in these moments.

Whether you choose to engage with clenched fists, or with a light open palm...will have a direct impact on the outcome.

And, its not just about how people feel, though that matters deeply.

It has a direct impact on the health of the organisation and its commercial outcome.

Where in your world are you holding on too tightly right now?
And what might change if you loosened your grip, just a little?

Photo credit: taken in a beautiful shop in Citta Antica, Verona