2021: Notes 2 & 3 -- The MLK Talk Leaders

I am writing this on January 18, 2021, which is Martin Luther King Day. It's a day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader's life and legacy. Last week, two of my colleagues did a great service for their coworkers by hosting a an open conversation about MLK Day and what it means to people.

They did an absolutely fantastic job leading the session. They had thought starters and personal stories prepared, and they created an open and safe environment for people to share.

The stories and thoughts people shared were very personal, and they elicited strong emotional reactions from the group. It was a supportive learning experience and an inspiring session for everyone.

I'm so grateful to the two people who took it upon themselves to arrange and lead the session. It's not easy to do that. In addition to all the preparation, you need to be open, vulnerable and "on" the entire time, even when people are talking about tough stuff. I think their willingness to do this -- and to do it so well -- will encourage more people at my company to lead conversations like this as well.