Dare to Ask – Approach What You Don’t Understand

On a recent flight, I met a young boy who, without any filter, said something rude to me. His mother looked like she wanted to sink through the floor. I could have ignored it, but I chose to talk to him instead. It turned out he was a friendly 11-year-old with multiple diagnoses, which also explained his behavior.

When he fell asleep, I took the opportunity to talk to his mom. Her story moved me deeply. She described how people avoid them, how relatives no longer reach out, and how she constantly has to explain and educate those around her. “It’s not enough that I have a son who requires so much energy—I also have to teach people how to behave,” she sighed.

We all encounter people facing life challenges—disabilities, illnesses, neurodivergence, etc. Often, we’re afraid of interfering or saying the wrong thing, so we choose silence. But sometimes, all it takes is a simple offer of support or a curious question: “How can I be here for you?”

The key is to be willing to offer and understand. Having the courage to approach without invading can mean more than we realize.

Have a brilliant day!

Ulf Lidman

Share:

Other Posts

Security Begins with Leadership

In times of uncertainty, it is the responsibility of leadership to create a work environment where employees feel safe and motivated. When change happens

Relational Leadership

OBM Step 1 - Introduction and Inspirational Lecture

Discover the basics of OBM and how it can transform your organization.

OBM Step 2 - Tailor OBM to your organization

Use OBM to strengthen your business with tailor-made solutions.

Leadership

Leading in Crisis and Change

The course is aimed at managers and leaders with personnel responsibility.

Motivational Interviewing for Leaders

The course is aimed at managers and leaders with personnel responsibility.

The Leadership Resource

The course is aimed at managers and leaders with personnel responsibility.

Learn more

Relational Leadership and OBM

Understand and improve the behavioral dynamics between groups and individuals.

About me

Who is Ulf Lidman?

Ulf Lidman has extensive experience of leadership in various contexts.

I want to be contacted

Föreläsning

Trygghet smittar!

Att leda med stabilitet i osäkra tider

Föreläsningen riktar sig till ledningsgrupper samt grupper med personalansvar.