Crying is OK Here

I was at a networking event this month. The peppy emcee bubbled over in a welcome, telling us to promote the event and chirping, "Remember, positive vibes only!"

I think she was well-intentioned...but the remark was tone-deaf.

Because, over coffee, I had already talked to a woman whose brother was just killed and another whose long-term relationship had foundered. And that was just in the first 5 minutes!

Here is what an attuned welcome might have sounded like:

"I am so grateful that we all get to be together in a room after the last year and a half. It is good to be back together! And while this feels kind of normal, remember that we have all lived through a lot over the last year and a half. Some of you are doing really well, others of us are just hanging on. So, as you start networking, remember to be gentle with yourself and with others."

Leaders, let's make space for the messiness of the moment. Our words matter.

For those of you that have been out networking, how has being back in person felt for you?

I'm an extrovert that loves meeting new people/encountering new ideas but I feel a particular exhaustion at the end; I've been out of practice!