Someone asked me what the word "grace" means. I once heard a very succinct definition: undeserved favor. But that doesn't cut it for me. The word "undeserved" comes with judgment, and grace withholds judgment always.
I was just in an elevator and a woman entered, and by the scent that followed her it was clear that she was "a smoker." Before I could even take hold of my brain to control my thoughts, judgment happened. I have strong feelings about smoking - I hate it.
Grace forgives. Grace gives the benefit of the doubt. Grace comes from a place of curiosity, reaching for understanding. Grace puts one in the shoes of the other. Grace understands that humans are flawed and there are no exceptions to that.
Whether a leader uses the term grace or not, a strong leader does well to practice the actions of grace as a consistent part of their leadership development plan. Might as well put it in ink. It's one of those that never gets perfected. But then again, I guess I should speak for myself there and not judge others. It will be on my leadership development plan - forever.
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