“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong,” said Mahatma Ghandi. Sometimes it is difficult to see how forgiveness fits in the business world. Trust, innovation, integrity, are usually found on a list of company values. Forgiveness is not.
Yet, forgiveness is one of the most important values at a personal level. People that hold grudges, have created chains that keep them from living at their potential. People that judge others, tend to be judged more harsh than others. Leaders that fail to forgive, will hold back their entire organization.
Here are three things to consider about improving your ability to forgive.
1. Discover the value of forgiveness. The act of forgiving changes you, changes others, and helps your team. Holding a grudge helps no one. Learn to see the value in perspective of all those around you.
2. Develop a reflection process for forgiveness. Forgiving comes from within. It is not something you can make happen without truly changing your attitude from within. If you try to hide a grudge, it is still there. As you reflect on your day, think about those that need forgiven. Develop a habit to forgive every day.
3. Choose to forgive. You have the ability to decide. Make the choice to forgive every one for what they do. Forgiveness is the ultimate act of love. For the world, it is the right choice 100% of the time. You decide.
Lewis B. Smedes said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”