Hi Bryan!

Do strong leaders show grace? The answer is YES, when necessary.

I'll use myself as an example. There were many times in my career when I should have been fired. No question. Times when it was perfectly logical, reasonable, and justifiable to let me go. People believed in me, when I oftentimes gave them no reason to believe in me.

🗓Years ago, when I was a hotel banquet server, I always asked for opportunities to do more and learn more. One day, the resort's banquet director came to me and said that I impressed him with my zeal. As a result, he wanted me to be his "right hand" for an important upcoming event. My job would be to assist in organizing the set-up of the event. Table placement...Silverware settings...Staff assignments, etc.

The big day came, and I was scheduled to report to work at 9AM. Somehow, my alarm didn't go off and I overslept...by a lot. I didn't get to work until after 10AM.🤦🏾‍♂️

When he saw me, he had a look of sheer hurt and disappointment on his face. He quickly interrupted my barrage of excuses and quietly said, "I was counting on you." Then he walked away.

💡I should have been written up, suspended or even fired. In fact, I expected it. But nothing happened. He ended up giving me another opportunity, and I seized it with both hands.

The point is that I did nothing to "deserve" another opportunity, but I got it anyway. If not for his willingness to forgive, coach, and give me another chance, I would not be where I am today. Honestly, undeserved grace was the only valid explanation for my success.

⭐️As STRONG Leaders, we must ALWAYS look for potential in others (without sacrificing our high expectations).

Sometimes we have to give people opportunities, and coach them with an expectancy of excellence, even if they don't deserve it. Then, you can rest well knowing that you didn't miss an opportunity to help change someone's life...even if they don't deserve it.

👉🏽Takeaway: Oftentimes, the right mix of high expectations, accountability, grace and love are all that's needed to unlock someone's capacity for excellence.

Bryan K. Williams, DM

Keynote Speaker & Author

DrBWilliams.com

Everyone needs a break. 

Whether that break is from certain people, from your environment or from food. 

*Breaks from People 

There are different ways to take people breaks. For your wellness and strength of your relationship, you may need to take an intentional break from a relationship like a relative, close friend or spouse. 

Maybe you're upset or need time to process. These type of breaks are more short-term. 

A long-term break typically results in a dissolution of the relationship. This is a painful experience initially, but is often needed to preserve your health and well-being. 

In other situations, a hybrid approach can be helpful. This requires redefining the relationship and setting clear boundaries and expectations. 

*Breaks from Environment 

Taking a break from your environment is a paramount expression of self-love. Remember, your environment can be physical or digital. 

Again, these breaks can be shorter or longer in length. A break from your environment can mean going for a nature walk, taking a break from social media, going to the movies by yourself or going on a vacation. 

Speaking of vacations, while things are improving... Americans leave a record amount of unused vacation days every year. 

(Side note: I'm not one of them.) 

Going on vacation can help to boost your immunity, feel more energized and boost your creativity. 

*Breaks from Food

Believe it or not, mindful food breaks are not only helpful, but an instrumental aspect of attaining optimal wellness. 

Food breaks can take place through intermittent fasting (IF). When done well, intermittent fasting slows aging, boosts immunity, rids the body of waste and can be an effective tool in weight management. And that's just the tip of the ice berg. 

This week, I urge you to come up with a strategy to implement one of these breaks in your life in the next week. 

YOU NEED IT!

Learn how to break or prepare to be broken.