Graceful Leadership

This past Friday morning I hosted twenty business, not-for-profit, and community leaders for a half-day workshop where we explored the theme of “Building Inspiring Organizations.” In the keynote address and breakout groups our discussions focused on the role that grace plays in this process. Grace, from the Latin gratus, means praiseworthy but it is further defined as beauty; charm; a sense of what is right and proper; decency; thoughtfulness; and good will. We are inspired by people with grace because their integrity, love, and courage create symmetry in their relationships with others.

During the breakout discussions we challenged each other to share ideas for being more graceful with our employees, customers, and suppliers/vendors. We wrestled with how to be kind instead of right, being a better listener, honoring the priorities of others, winning without creating losers, and how to make it fun to do business with us. The conversations were sprinkled with stories of our own struggles to answer these questions and some examples of success we have achieved along the way.

Leaders who practice grace, and thus inspire others, must demonstrate four qualities. First, they must selectively show their weaknesses. Exposing some of our flaws establishes trust, encourages collaboration, and builds solidarity. Second, they learn to rely on intuition (or instincts) to gauge the timing and course of their actions. Sensing what is wrong in the workplace, our client’s mood, or our vendor’s business situation seems natural to graceful leaders. Third, they are empathetic in a tough sort of way. Balancing what individuals need with the task at hand, graceful leaders care deeply about people and about the work that must be done. Fourth, they dare to be different by embracing their preferred behavioral styles and their strengths. Graceful leaders are vulnerable and real with everyone they serve.

Perhaps the most jarring question posed to the group came during my keynote address when I asked, “Why would anyone want to be led by you?” It seems like such a simple question. How would you respond? Those in attendance listed it often on evaluation forms and mentioned it during our wrap-up time as one of the key takeaways from the event. Imagine the transforming power of this question if it were carefully considered and truthfully answered by our nation’s top political, business, not-for-profit, and religious leaders?

I experienced graceful leadership from those who gathered for this time of reflection and discussion. Perhaps they sensed grace in my words and deeds as well. In a world where competition, fear, deception, and control have created uninspiring workplaces we need graceful leaders with the courage to model a different way. It’s not too late. Who will join this movement to restore grace into our employee, customer, and vendor relationships?