Grudge or Grace, You Decide

If there is one reality that every leader can count on no matter what their level of

leadership, it is, people are going to say things, do things and encourage things that will hurt

you, forcing you to respond in some sort of way. Notice I didn’t say react! We’ve talked

about that in an earlier newsletter. Suffice it to say when a leader reacts, they are no

longer leading they are being led by the circumstances whatever they may be.

A leader who responds is one who understands the importance of leading with

purpose every day even when an unexpected or sometimes expected encounter

occurs. Phrases like “pain in the bu++, burr in my saddle, thorn in my side, or bane of

my existence” describe this reality. The problem with this reality is that it puts a leader in

a leadership quandary as they contend with the choice to hold a grudge or hand out

grace.

The choice one makes sets the conditions for the proper or improper use of

professional or personal power. Should a leader hold a grudge they do three things.

First, they limit their potential to lead. Second, they mismanage their use of power. and

third, they allow themselves to be arrested, incarcerated, and manipulated by the

grudge, whatever that may be. A leader holding a grudge is like a toddler walking on a

leash, the grudge controls them and all they do.

Handing out grace is the better option. When leaders choose to hand out

“GRACE” they give gratitude, render respect (even though it may not be easy), adjust

attitude, craft connection, and epitomize endurance. Grace is kryptonite to a grudge

causing it to lose its power in the mind and heart of a leader. Grace is not only a gift

given to others, but it is also a gift given to oneself. I genuinely hope you have a grace-

filled day!