Big Sky Big Leadership Series: Gracious Space
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Big Sky Big Leadership Series: Gracious Space
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
This is the final article in a series sharing concepts from the Big Sky, Big Leadership program. Currently in its third year, this is a nine-month program that helps participants gain leadership skills as well as learn more about issues and resources in the county. This series highlights some of the leadership skills that are incorporated into the class. This month the focus is on Gracious Space.
When you hear the words ‘gracious space’ what do you think of? I think of my grandparent’s home when I’m always welcomed with a smile and a hug. Next, we sit down to visit at the table or in the living room. There is always the offer of a cup of coffee and a cookie, and if you stay long enough there will be dinner on the table. There are so many happy memories here.
While Gracious Space in terms of a leadership tool is not this exact situation, it is a similar concept. Developed by the Center for Ethical Leadership, Gracious Space is a framework that creates a welcoming and inclusive environment to help groups work better together. It creates an atmosphere that allows for diverse perspectives where people can feel comfortable sharing, asking questions and learning from each other. Gracious Space is a spirit and a setting where we invite the ‘stranger’ and learn in public. These are the four mj,k of Gracious Space.
Spirit
The spirit of Gracious Space is intentionally creating a supportive environment. This includes your spirit, the group’s spirit and the spirit of the work you are doing. You can’t control how others show up, but you can control yourself. Be aware of your emotions. Being present both physically and emotionally is incredibly important. When you are absent spiritually, it affects the whole group and the work that you are doing. One technique that you can use to define a group’s spirit is through developing group norms or working agreements which define the rules for how the group will interact and work together. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where group members feel safe and free to learn, explore and interact.
Setting
To establish a Gracious Space, pay attention to the physical environment. Physical space has the ability to support or impede the work. Consider the hospitality, room arrangement, comfort and location. Sometimes just simply greeting people at the door or by name as they come into the room can relieve a level of anxiety and contribute to a Gracious Space.
Invite the Stranger
This tenet refers to the willingness and ability to seek out different people, ideas and perspectives, even if they are different, inconvenient or uncomfortable. The first step is to identify the ‘stranger’ to figure out what voice is missing and what you might be able to learn from this person. Next, strategically ask this person to be a part of your group. Make sure to use the other tenets of Gracious Space to make this person feel comfortable and a welcomed valued voice. Sometimes this can ‘rock the boat’ a little but it’s important to remember that for groups to have long-term success and to tackle complex issues, the stranger is incredibly important. There are times when it might be difficult or impossible to find the stranger or get him/her into the room. If that is the case, take the time as a group to still consider the perspectives of this person.
Learn in Public
Learning in public can be uncomfortable. However, when you are open to this possibility it opens the door to new opportunities. People who create a Gracious Space, listen more and judge less. It requires us to let go of always being right, to be vulnerable and to learn from differences. It means taking risks and even making mistakes. However, this is a space that allows us to work across boundaries, share diverse perspectives and discover transformative solutions. This tenet takes self-awareness to be strategic and pay attention to your own learning.
Together, these four tenets of Gracious Space can be transformative. They allow groups to get to the next level by bringing a positive spirit, attending to the physical setting, inviting the stranger and learning together. For more information about Big Sky Big Leadership or to request a presentation about Gracious Space, contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or Allison.kosto@montana.edu. Gracious Space is a licensed program through the Center for Ethical Leadership and must be taught by a certified facilitator.
