E66: Forgiveness is the Most Important Leadership Skill

Forgiveness is the most important skill you can have as a leader because it takes courage to take accountability and to allow yourself to be vulnerable. In this discussion, Andrea Flack-Wetherald talks about how you can use forgiveness as a superpower in leading so you can find joy in your life and your work. Author of the book, The Funny Thing About Forgiveness, Andrea highlights lessons from improvised comedy and mindfulness practice, teaching leaders how to master the art of forgiveness by making it a part of their daily lives. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Why forgiveness is the most important leadership skill How she found her love of improv Choosing curiosity instead of judgment How forgiveness gives support and accountability together The concept of motivational interviewing The coming together of mindful improv with motivational interviewing Building a culture based on trust What forgiveness looks like in confrontation Episode Highlights: [11:33] Finding Her Love of Improv Andrea did an improv workshop for the first time with a group of social workers who were helping refugees that had come to America and then found themselves becoming victims of domestic violence. Andrea reminded them that they were already living improv and they were even good at it. It was just a matter of identifying the tools they have so they could readily call upon them as needed. At that moment, Andrea realized her purpose on earth. [13:05] How Improv Helps Your Daily Life Through improv, you’re able to connect with people and explore with curiosity rather than judgment because you’re creating that safe space to just be who you are. It’s a tool belt you can use where, sometimes, you may need a chisel, or sometimes, you need a hammer. And so, you just use whatever comes in handy at that moment. Improv teaches you the principles of being present and trusting that everything you need is inside of you. [16:52] Forgiveness is the Most Important Leadership Skill Forgiveness is the most important leadership skill because everything else that you aspire to do as a leader hinges upon whether or not you’re carrying around shame, resentment, or fear. And only through forgiveness – forgiving yourself and giving yourself the grace to be authentic – are you able to free yourself up from those things. [36:14] Why Forgiveness Has to Come First It’s commonplace that when we forgive, we do it backward. We muster the courage to enter into confrontation and then see if somebody earns our forgiveness. But forgiveness has to come first. Don’t put your freedom in someone else's hands because once you’ve forgiven first, you’re also inviting the other person on this growth journey with you. Resources Mentioned: www.andbeyondimprov.com The Funny Thing About Forgiveness Twitter: @andreawetherald