Forgiveness is like the coolant in an engine. High-performance engines generate a lot of heat. Without coolant, the engine will be destroyed in a few minutes. The parts and components will warp under the pressure and heat. They will cease to function efficiently, and ultimately they will burnout. Forgiveness and empathy cool the culture.

Forgiveness gives a reset. It doesn’t lower expectations or eradicate standards. It resets the count, suspends judgment, and allows forward motion.

Forgiveness empowers forward focus.

What can we learn from the mistake? What will we do to make it better on the second attempt?

Forgiveness empowers you, the leader, to reset expectations, clarify confusion, and focus on learning.