Written by: David M Zechman BSE, MPA, LFACHE, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Bringing “grudgeless” and vulnerable may be the hardest for a servant leader to master because it can be difficult to remove personal emotions from the workplace. How many of you have or are currently holding a grudge against someone at work or in your personal life? As most of us know, it hurts the person holding the grudge in a significant, emotional way. As Pastor Jeff Henderson stated, “The longer you hold a grudge the longer the grudge has a hold on you.”
Do you open yourself to be vulnerable when you are a grudgeless servant leader? The answer is YES! Being grudgeless means being willing to forgive. This starts with allowing yourself as a leader to be vulnerable. The number one reason that leaders are challenged with being vulnerable is the fear of being perceived as “weak.” Leading leadership author Craig Groeschel suggests some of the ways to overcome this vulnerability in a thoughtful way:
“We may impress people with our strengths, but we connect through our weaknesses."
“Show people what’s in your heart and what you value."
“Help people know that you are a loving and compassionate leader.”
“Lead with vision, boldness, and vulnerability.”
“People would rather follow a leader who is real.”
What happens to us as compassionate servant leaders does not matter – the only thing that matters is the way we respond. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable is the first step and the most important step in the process toward being a compassionate, servant leader. Raise your hand if you never made a mistake. Of course, we all make mistakes, but the challenge is being willing to admit it to those we lead.
A situation in my CEO career comes to mind. I asked an executive on my team to notify a physician group that we were terminating their contract and hiring a different group to provide the same service. What this executive did was notify the existing group by email that they were terminated. Needless to say, the medical staff, board, and myself were furious with how this decision was communicated. Subsequently, I stood in front of my board, and medical staff and apologized for this poorly handled situation.
Did I forgive this executive? Yes, even though I was disappointed and upset with him. I did view this as a compassionate servant leader as a teaching and leadership development opportunity with him, which helped me through the “grudgeless” process.
Finally, what does being “grudgeless” have to do with being a successful, compassionate servant leader? It shows those you lead that you are first and foremost a real human being. Second, it shows that you genuinely care for people. Third, a leader who is vulnerable and willing to forgive always leads to a positive ripple effect throughout the entire organization. It is important to also remember that to be a forgiving servant leader, one must always act honorably and truthfully to those one lead and serve.
David M Zechman BSE, MPA, LFACHE, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
David Zechman is currently a published author writing "Driven by Compassion ‒ 8 Values For Successful Servant Leaders" which is based on real life experiences of interviewed leaders from CEO's to supervisors. Zechman is also an accomplished public speaker, executive coach, leadership consultant, college professor, an active member of two boards, and CEO of Mergestone Group which acquires and manages assisted living and home health agencies. Zechman spent 39 years in healthcare until he retired as a hospital President and CEO.." Zechman is also an accomplished public speaker, leadership development consultant, CEO of Mergestone Group a published author, writing "Driven By Compassion ‒ 8 Values
