Are you transparent?

People appreciate it when leaders are vulnerable.

I’ve seen leaders who have made major mistakes, who keep denying their mistakes and defending their actions. They go down fighting against the skeptical and judgmental court of public opinion.

I’ve also seen leaders who have blown it in a big way. But they were quick to admit their mistakes, ask forgiveness and seek a new start. Most of the time, they move forward forgiven and accepted by their colleagues.

What’s the difference? Well, it’s the built in sense of grace and mercy towards those who are truly repentant and transparent. We are more forgiving of those who humbly admit their weaknesses, that with those who stubbornly maintain their infallibility.

Jesus told us to forgive others, just as we have been forgiven. We are to be quick to confess our own sins; at the same time quick to forgive others.

That kind of culture starts at the top, with the leader.