We have all heard of the term “grace” and know it’s something related to unmerited favor. But have you ever wondered what grace really is? What about leading with grace? Do you have to wait for grace or can you bring it in at any moment? If you are looking for an answer to these questions, you have come to the right place.
In this article, I have also shared some tips that you can use to practice grace in your business and life.
Let’s get started!
What is Grace in Business?
Grace, in general terms, means:
- Enabling power
- Unmerited favor
- Mechanism of change
- A transformational shift in consciousness
In business, grace refers to being compassionate to your employees and customers. If your employees do something wrong, instead of criticizing them in harsh tones, you explain to them what they did wrong and what they can do to correct their mistake.
If your customers say something negative about your product, with grace you ask them how you can improve and make the situation right. You treat them with kindness and look for wise solutions. When you do so, most likely you will notice they will respond to your kindness in good ways.
What Are Signs That Indicate You Lack Grace?
- Being judgmental
- Getting angry over small things
- Being moody and unhappy
- Low productivity
- Being overwhelmed
- Lack of compassion
Leading With Grace in Business
From your business to your family, leading with grace applies to everything you do in life. But, for the purpose of this article, let’s focus on leading with grace in business.
If you want to become successful in your business, treat your employees with grace. When asking employees about their work, look for the good in what they are doing. If they are struggling with something, be kind and provide them with coaching, motivation, and guidance to grow and develop.
You may ask your employees questions like, “What is the greatest challenge you are facing which I can support you with?”, “What has to happen for you to learn, grow and become empowered through this challenging time?”, “Is there anything you need from my side to make your work more productive?”. Your questions should not hurt them but rather make them realize you are there to empower them.
When interacting with others in the work environment, don’t show your superiority nor feel less than others. Instead, smile, be kind, and put a smile on their face.
So what happens if you show grace? Will your peers judge you as some positive person, or feel like something is wrong? Maybe, but the impact of your grace on them will most likely be quick and create an environment of trust between you.
If you are an employer you may be asking if I show grace will people disrespect me? The answer is that it will help you weed out those who are willing to show grace back and those who may not be a fit with your new mindset.
When you lead your employees with grace, they will feel valued and cared for, which will psychologically motivate them to work better, which, as a result, can help you grow your business.
Tips to Practice Grace in Your Daily Life
To lead your employees with grace in business, you should first practice grace in your daily life. Here’s how to do so.
1. Treat Yourself With Kindness
Things won’t always go your way. When you go through difficult times, don’t blame yourself. Instead, forgive and give yourself the confidence to overcome the difficulty.
For example, say that you invested in a business and lost money. Even if you are the reason for the loss, don’t keep blaming yourself because it won’t help you. Instead, forgive yourself and take corrective measures to overcome the loss and develop your business.
2. Learn To Let Go
Treat everyone with grace and realise as you grow in grace there are people who are no longer a match for you, so move on. I know this is difficult but many times this is a necessary step for the evolution of you and the other person. Honestly, if a relationship is not working for you, it is not working at some level for the other person too.
3. Learn To Forgive
When someone wrongs you, whether intentionally or unintentionally, see how fast you can let go of your anger or emotional state. It’s difficult, but by forgiving, you show grace to the person who committed the mistake, and when you do so, there’s a high chance that he realizes his mistake and apologizes for it. Remember to stay calm, no matter what happens!
4. Practice Gratitude
People with gratitude are often happier than those without it. If you want to have more success, pondering over the negatives will demotivate you. But when you appreciate the goodness in yourself and others, you raise your vibration and attract more success.
5. Apologize When Necessary
When you do something wrong, apologize for it. When you say sorry, you extend grace to the person you hurt. You also convey to that person that what you did was wrong and that you accept it, which helps to heal the relationship.
Conclusion
If you want to succeed in your business, treat your employees with grace, When you show grace to your employees, they will know and feel that you care and value them, which makes them more motivated and brings out the greatness in them.
Quote from Ken D Foster’s book The Courage to Change Everything
“If you do not have the courage to step past what you think if possible, you will never experience the magic in life.”
If you are running a business but don’t know how to grow it, book a coaching session with Ken D Foster. He can help you define your vision, accelerate your growth, and make you succeed. FYI, he has over 35 years of experience in personal and business development.