A colleague was on the receiving end of some bad news at work. Her boss called her when he heard, but instead of instantly jumping into a conversation about it, he asked: “Talk or space?”
It’s a simple question, but one packed with powerful understanding. Some people want to process aloud right away. Others want to be left alone to let things sink in and to handle their emotions privately. By asking in shorthand, you can quickly assess a person’s preference and either take a seat or close the door on your way out.
Don’t assume that everyone wants to talk things through. If your goal is to be supportive, start by asking what that looks like.
