What Does It Really Mean To Meet Someone Where They’re At?
A reflection from Amina Mukhtar, Senior Concentric Program Manager
Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when we set aside our schedules and simply show up for one another. In this reflection, Amina shares a story about a training deadline, a shared cup of saffron tea, and a friendship that reminded her what it truly means to meet someone where they're at.
What does it really mean to meet someone where they're at?I've been reflecting on that question lately.
Does it mean supporting people only during scheduled appointments? Does it mean following the same timeline because that's what has worked for everyone else? Or does it sometimes mean slowing down long enough to recognize that someone else's journey requires a different pace
Recently, I realized that the timeline I had set for completing a required training might have worked for many people, but it wasn't working for this particular friend. Between language barriers, technology challenges, and everything else she was already carrying, the path forward looked different for her.
So, I paused.
Instead of focusing on the deadline, I scheduled a time outside of our regular training hours so we could work together at a pace that met her needs. We spent nearly three hours completing a certification that had been overdue for a month.
When I arrived at her home with my child, I thought I was there to offer support.Instead, I was welcomed with incredible hospitality. She served us a warm cup of saffron tea, prepared a beautiful meal, and made us feel completely at home. By the time we left, I wasn't just grateful that we had completed the training—I felt deeply cared for. Before I walked out the door, she called me sister.
A few days later, she called again, filled with excitement.
"I completed my next certification last night! I worked really hard. Now I'm having trouble downloading my certificate."
As it happened, I was already in her neighborhood. "I can stop by if you'd like."
Within minutes, we downloaded her certificate together. She smiled with pride, feeling empowered and excited to complete her final certificate requirement.
That experience reminded me that meeting people where they are isn't about lowering expectations. It's about walking alongside them long enough to help them reach where they want to go.
Sometimes the greatest impact isn't found in keeping our schedules perfectly. Sometimes it's found in choosing to pause, go deeper, and trust that relationships are just as important as results.
Meeting people where they are takes patience, flexibility, and time. It isn't always easy, but it is always worth it.
