What It Means to Get Proximate | by Jennifer Slukynsky

In a world of screens and soundbites, it’s easy to think we can grasp complex human experiences from a distance. But distance breeds judgment, not understanding. To truly serve others - as leaders, teachers, or parents - we must get proximate.

What It Means to Get Proximate

Getting proximate isn’t just physical presence; it’s intentional closeness. It means listening without an agenda, observing without assumptions, and valuing the voices of those often overlooked - the poor, the marginalized, the excluded.

Why Distance Breeds Judgment

When we rely on headlines or statistics alone, we miss the nuance of lived experience. Distance can turn complex struggles into stereotypes. Judgments slip in where curiosity should live, and policies or lessons crafted from afar fall flat.

Proximity in Leadership

Great leaders don’t lead from glass towers. They walk beside their teams, understand daily challenges, and adapt strategies based on real feedback. Getting proximate builds trust, surfaces solutions, and inspires collective ownership of goals.

Teaching Through Nearness

Exceptional teachers step into students’ worlds - learning their interests, fears, and obstacles. By getting close in the classroom, educators can craft lessons that resonate, spark curiosity, and empower every learner.

Parenting by Presence

Parents who truly know their children don’t rely on report cards or surface conversations. They spend quality time, share activities, and listen to unspoken worries. This proximate parenting fosters emotional security and deep connection.

Practical Steps to Get Proximate

1. Listen Actively: Ask open-ended questions and hear more than answers - hear emotions and context.

2. Spend Time: Be physically present - in neighborhoods, classrooms, homes - to witness realities firsthand.

3. Engage with Humility: Admit biases, ask for guidance, and let relationships shape your understanding.

4. Co-Create Solutions: Invite those you serve into decision-making, ensuring their insights lead the way.

Close the Distance, Bridge the Divide

Whether you’re guiding a team, educating a class, or raising a family, getting proximate transforms judgment into empathy and strategy into impact. Step closer - because the truths you need to see and the voices you need to hear are waiting right beside you.