Sometimes when we seek change, we get it wrong. Leadership is about taking calculated risks and courageous decisions. If it was easy, life would be different. Often when change occurs – and it does always occur – it is not the change we sought or dreamt of. And often this impacts people significantly and negatively.

Change makers and leaders do not hide away in these moments. However long or short the ‘moments’ are. Presence or ‘being with’ the community especially in the hard, uncomfortable times says more than words. They go to the pain and often weep with those impacted. They sometimes take the anger thrown at them or share the anger. And when appropriate, they ask for forgiveness.

Change makers and leaders are not ‘other’. They are us, you and me. And emotions are part of what makes us human.

The choice is up to us.

Photo by Sohaib Ghyasi