To lead effectively, one must meet people as they are.

Most of us allow our judgments, expectations and desires to stand in the way of meeting people where they are. To meet someone where they are, you must be able to temporarily set aside your own agenda and give your full attention to the reality of another. You must be able to empty out your own vessel to be ready to see and hear another. The consequences of trying to meet someone where they should be is anger, of where you expect them to be is disappointment, of where you want them to be is frustration. Stop and look at someone where they are, in the moment, and open yourself to learning about their reality. Realize that you create your own anger, disappointment and frustration.