I was having a conversation with one of my CEO clients recently and we got into a deep discussion about a very interesting topic, that of second chances. You see, my client had given someone that he worked with the benefit of the doubt and assumed that they deserved a second chance. He mentioned to me that shortly afterward, one of the other members of his leadership team asked him why he gave this person the benefit of the doubt and a second chance at success.
I found it fascinating that he had done it first and foremost and was also intrigued that the inquiry from one of his leaders (who clearly felt that a second chance was unwarranted) got him to second-guess his decision to grant a second chance. If you find this intriguing, read on…
Why Did You Do It?
I asked my client why he gave his colleague a second chance. I made it clear that I thought it was a terrific decision and that I was simply curious about his motives. He furrowed his brow a bit, and then I could hear the gears clicking inside his brain as he processed through his decision. I thought his answer was inspirational. Here is what he said: “I’ve made mistakes in my life and in my career, and I’ve always been relieved when I was given a second chance. I’ve always wanted second chances in my career and in my life, and if I’m going to expect them, then I have to be prepared to give them. I cannot have a double standard. I’ve learned from my mistakes.
I have to believe that others will likewise learn from their mistakes. I believe in the inherent goodness of people, and I WANT to continue to believe in that inherent goodness in them. I don’t want to become cynical. I want to encourage people and support them, I’m not at all interested in punishing them for honest mistakes. Finally, I want to better myself at all times, and it seems to me that giving people a second chance is the right thing to do for them, and it’s the right thing to do for me. No sooner do I do it, than I begin to feel happier, and feel better about myself. I want to see myself as a multiplier and an investor in people, and not as a minimizer or a diminisher.”
I Couldn’t Have Said It Better Myself
I’ve pondered my client’s decision to give a second chance to his colleague, and I’ve reflected upon it now for several weeks. The longer I think about it, the more I realize that he is brilliant and that he is seeing this situation exactly as I want to see it, and also exactly as I want all of my clients to see it. I believe people need second chances. I believe people deserve second chances. I believe second chances are a sign of strength and confidence, and not a sign of weakness or a lack of discipline.
I have made mistakes. You have made mistakes. We will all make mistakes. When they are honest mistakes, I’m going to be quick to give someone a second chance, and I’m not going to spend a moment worrying about whether someone else might think it’s a mistake or a sign that I’m being weak and tolerant. I can always change my mind if the situation doesn’t improve after a second chance, but I’m willing to bet that giving someone a second chance might be just what they need to get them over the hump.
What about you? Where do you stand on this idea of allowing someone who makes an honest mistake a second chance? I am going to continue believing in the character of the people around me and I’m going to continue to invest in helping them to become as fine as they can be, even if it means tolerating a few mistakes. Let me know how you are thinking about this and whether you agree with my bright client that good people deserve a second chance.
Michael Beach has been running a successful coaching firm in the United States since July of 2013. Michael and his band of tremendous coaches are an award winning firm that helps C-Suite Executives and Emerging Leaders to become the very best dynamic leaders that they can become. Ask yourself, what are you doing about building the next generation of leaders for your business? If you don’t have a good answer to that question, you should reach out to Michael and find out more about his guaranteed Emerging Leaders development program. Frankly, every one of us should be investing in the people around us, helping them to become the best that they can be, while they help everyone around them to become the best that they can be, also…
