Sometimes people are tougher on themselves, than on anyone
else. This was part of the conversation
I had with Marilyn Suttle and Shawne Duperon on my Conversations with Charmaine
Radio Show. They both asked the question “how long before you forgive
yourself?”
What a great question. In workplaces as a consultant and
trainer I see it all the time. Someone hasn’t forgiven themselves for a mistake
they made, it affects relationships and stops the person from moving forward.
It can also stop the team from fast tracking to success. Another common example
is someone made a mistake ten years ago….it still comes up frequently at staff
meetings, when new ideas are posed or when something goes wrong. The struggle to Let It Go can impact the
ability to forgive, self and others.
My friend and media coach Shawne Duperon, six time Emmy
Award winner is leading a movement that I believe will change the world,
workplaces and communities for sure! The
initiative is called Project Forgive.
Here’s what the website says: “Life happens. We lose our jobs, we face
bankruptcy and foreclosure. Some of us are dealing with a divorce, others of us
are facing life threatening illnesses such as cancer. Culturally, we see deep
political fighting, immigration issues, war, despair and violence. In the face
of all this, how can we find the courage to forgive and cause a new realm of
possibility, a new conversation?”
This is a
question for reflection. How can employees in teams find the courage to forgive
their colleagues so the team can move towards their goals, better
relationships, success? What do you need
to forgive yourself for to move forward?
Here are three
tips to forgiveness that I learned a long time ago when I worked as a
Correctional Officer (half a life time ago and these tips still help).
1.
Accept
that we all make mistakes. Treat mistakes like a learning opportunity.
2.
Review
and Learn. Ask yourself: What went well?
What was a challenge? What did I learn? And, what will I do
differently? This will help you move
from blame to change.
3.
Start
the conversation. If you make a mistake, own it, accept with grace and dignity,
and move forward. As you move forward, so can others.
4.
And
remember….Forgiveness is For Giving!
Be a part of the
Project Forgive…. Back the movie…. Share your story….. share the project with
friends…. Project Forgive is For Giving.
