15 Reasons Leaders Should Practice Forgiveness

I’ve been thinking a lot about forgiveness and its role in leadership lately.  Leaders are high achievers and demand excellence from those they surround themselves with.  And even more than excellence, leaders demand loyalty.

But what happens when loyalty is violated and trust is lost.  Can it be regained?  I think it can if the violator is truly repentant and safeguards are put in place to protect the organization.

Leaders cannot afford to hold grudges.  They should always be grace givers.  Leaders must also put the good of the organization ahead of their personal agendas and feelings.

Letting people “off the hook” or providing second chances is always an excellent leadership strategy.  Forgiveness is never really about the perpetrator of the offense.  Forgiveness is all about the one giving it.

The following is true about leaders who have with the ability to forgive:

1. They care more about the value of relationships than their personal rights.
2. They are secure.
3. They see the big picture.
4. They are humble.
5. They have previously experienced forgiveness from others.
6. They have courage.
7. They have inner-strength.
8. They care more about the good of the organization than getting revenge.
9. They know that revenge is hollow and unsatisfying.
10. They think long-term instead of short-term.
11. Ironically, they get more loyalty from their teams for their ability to forgive than leaders who do not.
12. They experience personal freedom.
13. They understand the importance of redemption and restoration.
14. Forgiveness creates opportunities for personal breakthroughs.
15. They have friends who last for a lifetime.

Leaders, do you have a current or former team member you need to forgive.  Here is my advice – call them TODAY and make it right.  It will be one of the toughest calls you have ever had to make. 

But afterwards, you will experience more freedom and joy than you ever had as a leader.  This is a principle I personally know.  Two of the greatest breakthroughs in my life came immediately after forgiving others.  These individuals hurt me deeply.  The conversations were extremely painful but I proactively forgave them anyway.

Why – because I did far worse to the greatest leader ever, Jesus Christ.  And He forgave me.  What right do I have not to forgive others?

My life would not be the same if I did not forgive others.  And if you lead in the area of forgiveness, neither will yours.

Do you need to forgive someone today?  Are you willing to lead and make that call you know you need to make?  I beg you to do it.  No one will be happier than you will.

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