Forgiveness is a top leadership quality that has been shown to foster higher integrity, more creativity, increased teamwork and greater productivity. Research shows that the earlier we learn and practice emotional intelligence skills such as forgiveness, the more we cultivate better leadership qualities, social skills, self-awareness and healthy relationships. As a leadership coach, I am always seeking great role models to exemplify the characteristics of emotional intelligence and sometimes find them in the most interesting places.
Meet Grace. She was rescued off the streets of Miami abused, neglected and pregnant. When I met first met her, she was in a constant state of fear… trembling, cowering and/or threatening attack when anything moved too close to her. Once she was rescued, I had a first hand seat to witness the power of forgiveness transform Gracie into a kind, sweet, loving mama. This picture is from her first boat ride and a great capture of her allowing her heart to open and her spirit be free again. She was a leader in action demonstrating that while there might of been forces in her past trying to stop her, Grace prevailed. She is the inspiration of my latest kid’s book, Grace & Bella – the Forgiving Heart.
In this book, Bella learns from Gracie:
To celebrate the book’s release, I am giving the first three signed copies for the best stories of forgiveness. Please share your story in the comments below or email me at jcraig@insitestrategist.com