Understanding is love’s other name.
Here is one quote, one question and one idea to contemplate.
“Understanding is love’s other name.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh
How could you show understanding today?
In the traditional work world, love is rarely discussed. Yet, if we consider Thich Nhat Hanh’s words, we can recognize that true leadership is an act of care. When we take the time to understand our team member’s aspirations, challenges, and perspectives, we are, in essence, expressing love—not in a sentimental way, but in a way that acknowledges and honors their humanity.
If you’ve ever had a leader who listens attentively in a one-on-one meeting and asks questions that go beyond surface-level work concerns, you know what this feels like. You know that they care about what you do AND who you are, what keeps you motivated, and what difficulties might drain your energy and affect your performance.
Understanding is not automatic; it is a learned, dynamic interaction—one that requires intentional practice. In my book Understood, I emphasize that understanding is something we commit to doing, rather than something we simply have. It is work, requiring patience and conscious effort. The patterns of understanding—and misunderstanding—we form often develop through osmosis and imitation rather than deliberate creation. We fall into practices that can be focused on what we need to help us understand rather than what others need to feel understood. The directionality of this is significant.
True understanding means offering something—whether a listening ear, space to collect thoughts, or kind words that acknowledge another’s experience. It means recognizing that when we understand someone, we help bring a sense of relief, creating an opening for them to engage and progress.
When we practice understanding, we create a ripple effect. Team members who feel understood are more likely to extend that same understanding to their colleagues, clients, customers and beyond. This cultivates a work culture rooted in connection, contribution and commitment – the 3 C’s of an engaged workplace.
Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, understanding is not separate from love—it is love. In leadership, this means embracing understanding as a fundamental practice that helps us foster not just high-performing teams, but thriving, human-centered organizations. And we need that now more than ever.
Until next time,
Maria
P.S. If this has been helpful, then feel free to pass it along to someone else who might enjoy it too.
UPCOMING EVENT
If you are in Edmonton on February 16, 2025 come and see me at
Chapters Westside (9952 170 Street NW). I will be there from
12:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m (MST) signing books.
I’d love to see you!
‘UNDERSTOOD: The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement’
AVAILABLE NOW!
MARIA’S 2025 WORKSHOPS
Foster greater understanding and workplace engagement through this series of new workshops. Learn more about them by clicking on the titles below:
If you’d like to get one or more of these in your team or Board’s calendar, let’s connect.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPLORE…
why we struggle to understand others
the roots and impacts of misunderstanding
the art of understanding others
strategies to foster understanding and advance engagement
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READY FOR 2025?
Let’s talk about how I can help you elevate engagement and drive organizational performance, so that you can move beyond chasing engagement metrics and start leading them!