We were talking about how to get more people in the company to help co-create the future in the midst of a global pandemic when she said to me, “we just need to show each other a little more grace during these challenging times.”
I smiled and replied, “Yes. Grace is so important these days.”
I believe that we are so busy these days we forget the power of leading with grace. This ability to show kindness and compassion to someone else, even if they do not appreciate it or return the favor, is one of the hallmarks of great leadership. We do not give grace to get grace. We just give grace because it is the right thing to do. When it comes to wanting more people to help co-create the future, giving grace is a solid foundation for a new beginning.
Upon this foundation, we also need to build trust. Leaders do this by showing up to listen and to take into account others’ perspective. By listening with respect, we create psychological safety to see what is really happening rather than what we think should be happening or want to be happening. As trust and safety build, we will come to a greater understanding of what is the right path forward, both operationally and strategically.
However, the first step in this whole process is to lead with grace. Kindness and compassion are always a wise choice during challenging times.
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