I’ve begun several blogs with “how are you?” followed by “no, really.”
It seems appropriate again, which I interpret to mean we’re all tired. Tired of the pandemic, tired of change, tired of politics, tired of solving problems that feel unsolvable in the near term (like labor and supply chain) and tired of feeling like we have to navigate everyone’s sensitivities including our own.
The challenges are real, and it’s okay to pause and regroup.
We will get through this.
Instead of asking how people are, try the questions below instead. The simple reframe of how and what you ask could renew energy and movement for anyone in the conversation. Here they are:
- What’s the best thing happening for you right now?
- What’s been the highlight of your day?
- What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself recently?
- How can I support you?
- What are you doing to care for yourself right now?
- What are you looking forward to?
- What’s the most important thing we should talk about?
- What makes you smile?
- What fun have you had?
- What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen or heard?