[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.iainclaridge.co.uk/blog/2861

Grace is a beautiful concept and an essential element of Servant leadership. Servant leadership begins with Grace and is sustained through grace. Grace is seen through Servant leadership in humility and vulnerability. Grace means loving others free of judgment. It means letting go of cynicism and fear. Grace doesn’t come naturally to me. However, I’ve found through building self-awareness, I’ve cultivated a capacity for Grace. Some days I’m more graceful than others. I’m a firm believer that there is something greater than myself that is helping me navigate my life’s journey. Surrounding myself with kind people and loving them wholeheartedly is a reminder of my guiding faith. This allows me to strive to offer others Grace in every situation. This requires the courage and vulnerability to be the best version of myself.

Servant leaders help others to understand the joy of life through offering them Grace. The image for this post is the gorgeous Grace Kelly. Whether people loved her or hated her, she is an iconic figure who left a legacy for generations to come. I hope that I can continue to foster my capacity for Grace and have it shape my Servant leadership philosophy. Grace is most difficult in the times it is most needed. Brand-Jacobsen (2005) highlights a peace formula for addressing conflict, “For attitudes use empathy, for behavior use nonviolence, and for contradictions use creativity” (p. 6). In many ways, conflict transformation is about offering others the gift of Grace. It speaks to the symbiotic nature of Servant leadership. Grace starts with knowing oneself. I know I have strengths and I know I have weaknesses. This means I can choose to maximize what I’m good at every single day with the people I serve. I can choose to listen, to be curious, to be kind, and to strive to offer others Grace.

Food for Thought:

1. What is your experience of Grace in leadership?
2. How do you nurture your capacity for grace?