Holding It Together: 7 Human-Centered Practices for Leading When Things Get Real

A Practice-Based Series for Leading When Things Get Real

We talk a lot about leadership skills—but not nearly enough about the emotional labor of leadership.

The moments when someone’s crying in your office.

When the meeting goes sideways.

When you’re stretched thin but still expected to lead with care.

This series is for those moments.

Growth doesn’t always look graceful. This sprout pushing through concrete is a reminder: leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about staying rooted and choosing to show up, even when conditions aren’t ideal.

Even in tough conditions, something alive can begin again.

This series is about leading from that place.

It’s for anyone who leads, teaches, listens, manages, or holds space for others—formally or informally.

Whether you’re a museum educator, nonprofit leader, DEAI practitioner, front-line staff member, or someone who just wants to lead with more humanity—this is for you.

What to Expect

Holding It Together isn’t about faking composure or being the strongest person in the room.

It’s about learning to hold space—with presence, courage, and care—even when things get real.

Each post explores one of seven human-centered practices you can use to create safer, steadier, more connected spaces.

You’ll find real talk. Practical strategies.And small things you can actually do—not just theory.

Start the Journey

1. The Space Between Us: What It Really Means to Hold Space

2. Showing Up with Heart: Presence as a Leadership Superpower

3. Listening Without Fixing: Leading with Your Ears, Not Your Ego

4. Making Room for Messy Stuff: Why Realness Builds Trust

5. Structured Support: The Quiet Power of Boundaries and Rhythm

6. Keeping It Real and Rooted: Vision Without the Fluff

7. Speaking with Care: Saying What Matters Without Causing Harm

8. Being Brave in the Mess: Staying When It’s Easiest to Run

9. Coming Back to the Practice: Why Presence Matters More Than Perfection

How to Use This Series

• Read one post each week as a personal practice

• Use the reflection prompts in check-ins or journaling

• Share with your team or others who hold space quietly and powerfully

• Adapt the practices into trainings, conversations, or retreats—this work is meant to be lived

You Belong in This Conversation

You don’t need a title to lead this way.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need the willingness to return to the work.

And if this doesn’t meet you where you are today, that’s okay too.

You’re always welcome to come back when you’re ready.

You belong in this conversation.

Now...when you're ready, let's begin - 1. The Space Between Us: What It Really Means to Hold Space