Why “holding space as leadership” is important right now
It’s impossible to overlook the waves of adaptive challenges reshaping our world — economic turbulence, geopolitical conflicts, and environmental crises. In the United States, the political landscape is fraught with division, testing the resilience of democratic values. Meanwhile, half the world’s population will cast their votes in democratic elections this year, highlighting the growing divide and the urgent need for leaders who can navigate these turbulent times.
Leaders must embrace deep personal growth to meet these challenges head-on. Leadership isn’t just about mobilizing others. It’s about the deep personal work needed to lead in a traumatized and uncertain world that gets reflected within our teams and ourselves.
To paraphrase Lao Tzu: Who can make the muddy water clear? Hold it still, and it will gradually become clear. One of the most vital skills for any leader in turbulent times, then, is to “hold space”.
1. Balancing the Balcony and the Dance Floor
Effective leadership requires the ability to shift between the “balcony” and the “dance floor” — a concept central to Adaptive Leadership. Being on the balcony means gaining perspective, seeing the bigger picture, and understanding the broader dynamics at play. On the dance floor, you’re in the thick of things, engaging directly with your team. Holding space effectively requires leaders to master this balance, staying attuned to the emotional currents while also keeping an eye on the overarching goals.
2. Nurturing the Heart of Democracy
Parker Palmer speaks of the “heart of democracy,” which is about creating spaces where conflict can be held in creative, life-affirming ways. This principle is crucial not just in organizations but also in our political discourse. As leaders, we must foster environments where people can engage in nuanced conversations, rather than attacking each other across the aisle. Holding space for such dialogue can bridge divides and promote collective progress.
3. Embracing Self as System
Leadership requires an understanding that we are not separate from the systems we aim to influence. Picture the self not as an isolated individual but as part of an interconnected whole that encompasses your surround (team or organization) and the broader system or environment. This expanded sense of self reveals that change doesn’t unfold in a simple, linear path, or even as a non-linear ripple or butterfly effect. Instead, change happens everywhere all at once. It’s the subtle shifts within this expanded self — those small, consistent adjustments in mindset, behavior, and interactions — that truly drive transformation.
As we move through this moment of leadership, let’s look for opportunities to hold space for the humanity within all of us, especially those with whom we most disagree. By embracing this notion of leadership we can help build organizations and communities defined by compassion, hope, and democratic values, driven by—not despite — adversity.
