In many cultures there are protocls and customs when I visit someone. I do not just barge in, unless invited. Where it is customary to take off my shoes or sandals, I do so when I enter. We might hug, kiss, bow or shake hands.

Conversations are similar.

• I am either invited in or I can ask for permission to enter.
• Metaphorically speaking, I might do well in taking off my dirty shoes: biases, judgments and leave my ego at the door and enter as an equal. 
• Instead of a kiss or hand shake, what would create trust and allow for the relationship to be safe, or a space for vulnerability and closeness?

I enter aware that God has already been at work. I am not the first. Nor the last.

I enter someone else’s story with respect and wonder, to simply be present. I can find myself on holy ground where I better walk barefoot and tread with care. When I do, the wonder-ful can emerge, even in confusion, pain or difficulty. Hope can emerge. And courage: to keep stepping forward into the unknown.

When I leave, I do not want the footprints of my ego to be what is remembered. Rather, I want the footprints of God walking with the other become visible and remembered.

Next time we enter a conversation: let’s take off our ‘shoes’! It is a good habit.

Want to learn more about ‘being present’ or having better conversations? There is still space both in the next mentor coaching group (not only for those seeking credentialing with the ICF) and the Foundational Coaching Skills Training (FOCOS).

For those of you who had benefited from the WBECS free summit and are considering joining the full year summit, you can still receive a significant discount today and can register here.

[Photo Credit: by Jakob Owens on Unsplash]