Friday, December 23, 2011

Leaders can forgive without forgetting - CBS Money Watch

December 21, 2011 10:58 AM


By John Baldoni



Excerpts:


"Forgiveness," said Indira Gandhi, "is a virtue of the brave." Courage emerges from the strength of one's convictions as well as in the faith in self and others to do better.


Forgiveness is not limited to those who abide by principles of their faith; it is something that everyone, certainly everyone in a position of authority, should abide. To forgive is not to forget, nor is it to excuse. ...But as the saying goes, "To err is human; to forgive, divine."


Forgiveness is also a sign of strength, especially coming from a leader. It signifies that you are above the fray. You don't hold grudges. It also is an acknowledgement of vulnerability. To forgive another is to hold close the notion that none of us is perfect.


There are times when serious mistakes, especially ethical lapses, deserve punishment, but regarding all mistakes as equal is misguided. Redemption is possible, and that is why leaders would do well to think long term about what can be learned from a mistake and how that lesson might help the organization grow and develop.


Forgiveness can be conditional. Ethical transgressions may require restitution, but mistakes require something else -- a commitment to learn from what went wrong and resolve to implement those lessons


John Baldoni is the president of Baldoni Consulting LLC, a full-service executive coaching and leadership development firm. John speaks widely on leadership and is the author of 10 books on leadership, including his newest, Lead with Purpose: Giving Your Organization a Reason to Believe in Itself.




Access Article, Source And Great Content: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-57346087/leaders-can-forgive-without-forgetting/

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