Like a Parent, Like a Leader: “Forgiveness”

Dear LinkedIn Community,

Welcome back to "Like a Parent, Like a Leader.” This time we discuss about the power of forgiveness.

One afternoon, my son returned from school in tears, upset by an incident with his best friend. For two weeks, they didn't speak. Then, unexpectedly, Nikolas came home beaming, sharing how they had reconnected and had a wonderful day together. His decision to forgive his friend struck me deeply and witnessing his courage to move on and focus on the positive moments they shared filled me with pride as his dad.

In life and in the workplace, we encounter situations where forgiveness is necessary. In the workplace, we may not have "best friends" but we certainly have colleagues with whom we have worked well and whose opinions we value. There are times when tensions arise, projects face challenges, and due to stress, pressure to deliver and many other rational (or not) reasons colleagues may unfortunately treat us unfairly. Forgiving them is not just selfless; it's also a selfish act of self-care.

Holding onto grudges drains our energy and peace of mind. Like carrying someone on your back, it weighs you down. But when you forgive, you release that burden and free yourself to move forward.

Forgiveness requires courage and strength of spirit. Every moment spent dwelling on past wrongs steals from our peace of mind. By letting go, we reclaim our inner peace and regain control of our lives.

Let us follow Nikolas's example and choose forgiveness. Let us unburden ourselves from the weight of grudges and embrace a future filled with compassion, understanding, and inner harmony. Forgiveness, is not just an act of kindness; it's an act of self-preservation.

As we navigate our daily professional lives, let's take a moment to reflect: Who do you need to forgive today to reclaim your peace of mind and move forward with clarity and purpose?