Who does not appreciate the healing nature of forgiveness in our family, our relationships, and our community? Similarly, in today’s corporate world, it makes good business sense to practice the art of forgiveness.

Forgiving—or giving up on blame and faultfinding— gives us a way to use the mistakes, failures, flaws and breakdowns as opportunities to revive greater wisdom, compassion and capability between coworkers. In fact, practicing forgiveness improves organizational cultures where people feel free to undergo tricky decisions, to stop withholding their creativity and to demonstrate personal enthusiastic contribution. Internal harmony and healing are constructed then.

Great leaders know when to forgive.

Beyond acting firm and fostering accountability, leaders are also intended to let go of the wrong and broken past. Certainly, forgiving is never easy, but it proves leaders’ determination. One of the most courageous acts leaders can do is to abandon the idea of taking revenge on previous conflicts.

But how to forgive? Nelson Mandela— who famously forgave his oppressors— was a good model. After the end of apartheid, which had fostered racial separation and kept blacks impoverished, Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president. Some of his peers in his political party clamored for payback against members of the previous regime or even all privileged white people. Instead, to avoid violence, Mandela stabilized and united the nation, which had a great impact on the economy of the country, including investments. This merciful leader established then the peace and truth that would permit moving forward.

Instead of settling scores, great leaders demonstrate desire for reconciliation which can heal wounds and enhance business. By doing so, turnarounds are encouraged and rebellions are avoided.

A betterment for each different level of business!

Based on the individual framework, letting grudges go generates happiness, presence, innovation, vibrant health, autonomy, personal responsibility, peace of mind, authenticity, freedom to self-express, choice, self-assurance, focused and openness. But that is not all! The genuine clemency between dyad allows for a greater partnership, collaboration, trust, communication, support, acknowledgement, appreciation, gratitude, ownership, interconnection, respect, growth, and compassion.

Formerly, the transformation continues within the team structure. By excusing one another, teammates begin to support mutually, which brings pride to the organization. What is more, this practice imports feeling of community, sense of belonging, share in learning and playfulness in the team collaboration.

What does the art of mercy award to the company itself? Empowerment, flexibility of work force, values and pride, employee retention and especially respect in the community are the free gifts offered to companies which promote forgiveness in their business.

“You will achieve more in this world through acts of mercy than you will through acts of retribution.”—Nelson Mandela.

Sources: Harvard Business Review, Industrial and Commercial Training _ Emerald Insight, The Borgen Project