When someone comes to you with their project or problem it’s worth remembering that this isn’t the first time they’ve thought of it. They’re most likely not coming to you on a complete whim.
They’ve been thinking about for a while. Wondering whether to bring it up. Wondering how to bring it up. Developing expectations about what the response will be.
Bringing something up, taking initiative, going first. It’s scary. So if you’re on the receiving end of this type of conversation, take the time to first consider the tension that the other person pressed through to even get the words out.
And yes, you might not be in for the project or able to help with the problem…but you can always care within the conversation.
