Hey Reader,

I hope you are doing well and staying warm. It seems like most of the country is experiencing record breaking levels of snow and frigid temperatures. I hope you and your community are managing and continuing to make progress and gains, while holding space to pause considering everything that’s happening in the world.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the nuance of holding space, beyond simply acknowledging current events, but truly sitting with the tension they bring.

Many people feel that statements should be made regarding what’s happening with ICE in Minneapolis to see where they stand and who they align with. Others are showing up as they always have and continuing to focus on their work. This contrast is causing a great tension that I’m sure some of you may be feeling as well. As leaders of schools, districts, nonprofits, and other organizations, the question becomes: what is the role of the leader within all of this?

While some organizations may not be able to make direct statements, and no one should feel pressured to do it, leadership still calls us to lead with compassion, empathy, and humanity.

James Baldwin reminds us that,

Leadership doesn’t always require public declarations, but it does require awareness, care, and an honest acknowledgment of the moment we are in.

And at the same time, we are reminded not to lose hope or joy in the midst of complexity and difficult times. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said,

Holding space means being aware of reality without allowing it to drain the life, joy, and purpose from our work. It means choosing hope, even when the path forward feels unclear.

Most people become leaders to help and serve others. It’s part of a higher calling, to provide guidance, structure, and support with vision and purpose. If you feel hesitant to share and celebrate the joy and progress happening in your space, please remember this: it is possible to hold space for both. It is also the leader’s responsibility to create environments of stability and hope.

With that in mind, here are two simple ways to hold space and still make progress as a leader.

1. Name the moment without rushing to fix it.​
Acknowledge what’s happening and how it may be impacting people, even when you don’t yet have answers. Presence and awareness build trust and help people feel seen.
​2. Protect progress by anchoring to purpose.​
Stay grounded in your mission and values to guide decisions, celebrate small wins, and maintain momentum. Purpose helps teams move forward with clarity and hope in uncertain times.

Reader, I want to offer that it doesn’t have to be an either or, it can, and should be, a both and. We can hold space for humanity while also celebrating growth and joy within our communities.

Have an amazing week.

Janique