Sarah Crawford-Bohl

He lowered his arm and said, well, this is too positive, not an accurate representation of what we're going through.

While still defensive, I remembered support and empathy.

I wanted to create a safe place where he could feel seen and heard.

So I suggested we sit down together so I could better understand his concerns.

Next step,

Wonder.

We went to his office and I asked curious questions.

And over some tea, he told me his story.

He got out a red pen and circled the nine times I'd mentioned something positive in that article.

I acknowledged.

It's too many, understandably devaluing.

I then asked if we could look for times I'd mentioned challenges.

To his surprise, and frankly, my own, 18 times.

18.

I'd mentioned things that needed to be fixed.

I was able to let him know I was embarrassed by being called out in front of my superiors.

And he apologized.

You know, that time spent together, it was valuable for me.

And I think we both took something meaningful away.

So I always remember the moral compass.