Leader as a Healing Presence
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Recently I heard a sermon titled "A Healing Presence." While the message was directed to us as people, it was particularly relevant for anyone in a leadership position. The guest preacher was the director of a counseling center and a licensed psychologist. He provides counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, as well as couples and families. He has special interests in grief therapy and relationships.
As he shared the mission of the center and a few stories about his approach to counseling in this uncertain times, I was thinking about how every word was just as important to leaders. He talked about the value of just being present and not giving advice. It reminded us how we need to be receptive to how people feel and affirm their feelings because there are real to them. He emphasized listening and being still while others shared their life experiences.
He said the best gift to give was to just be present.
This message resonated with me. A few years ago, I spent some time as interim academic vice-president. A faculty member was struggling with some personal issues and made an appointment to see me. I was not sure what he needed or wanted so I listened to his story during which he became very emotional. After he finished, I asked him how I might help him. What could I do to help?
He responded by thanking me for listening and that he would get back to me if there was something I could do. He said that he was grateful that I did not judge him and how surprised he was at how much better he felt just sharing his story.
I have never forgotten this experience.
Since that time, I have done some grief work myself primarily through reading and training as a hospice volunteer. This work reminds me that life is about grace and grit.
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