The Secret Power Of Grace

In my research of the values across all Fortune 500 companies, I did not find a single reference to the value of Grace. In the tough, dog-eat-dog business world, grace is something few would ever expect to experience.

Yet, some of the best leaders exercise grace on a regular basis.

One of the most powerful and enduring leadership stories about grace is from IBM. The story goes that Tom Watson Jr., who took over from his father as CEO in 1956, called a VP to his office to discuss a failed development project that cost IBM about $10 million. Expecting to be fired, the VP presented his letter of resignation. But Watson Jr. just shook his head and said: “Why would I fire you when we just invested $10 million into your education.”

While some might see this story as an example of smart business thinking, I see it as a story about grace.

The VP rightly assumed his time at IBM was over. Anyone who would make such a costly mistake should expect to be fired. It’s how the business world works.

But Tom Watson Jr. saw things differently. He didn’t see failure as a problem at IBM – as long as it was turned into a learning experience. This is how IBM grew to become one of the largest and most successful companies ever.

The Surprising Power of Grace

Does Watson’s approach sound familiar? This is how (most) parents raise their children to become successful and responsible adults.

Failure is normal. It’s part of life. And if you truly love someone, you encourage them to turn every failure into an opportunity for growth.

In other words, it’s about love.

One of the best definitions of grace I’ve ever heard is this:

Grace = undeserved love

You can’t earn it. You can’t buy it. It’s something freely given by the giver.

Grace is a subtle, yet powerful value that benefits everyone.

• Imagine a corporate culture that promotes the value of grace.
• Imagine a community that incorporates the value of grace.
• Imagine an extended family that embraces the value of grace.

Extending grace

• rebuilds hope.
• rejuvenates confidence.
• reignites passion.

So the next time someone under your leadership makes a big mistake, consider ignoring the expected protocol of “they need to be reprimanded.” And forget the popular saying, “If you don’t punish them, they’ll never learn.”

Instead, try the unconventional practice of extending grace. In addition to making a life-changing impact on someone else, you just might create your own awesome story that will continue to be shared by others decades later.