We forgive ourselves instantly. Others? Not so much.
It’s a minor blip when we stumble – “I was tired” or “It was just a bad day.” When others fail, we’re quick to assign character flaws – they’re incompetent, unreliable, or worse.
This fundamental attribution error shapes our interactions more than we admit. We see our mistakes in context while labeling others by their worst moments.
History repeats this pattern. Abraham Lincoln faced crushing criticism for his failures before becoming revered as a visionary. Edison’s thousands of failed attempts were his “finding ways that didn’t work.”
What if we extended this grace outward?
What if we recognized that the person who disappointed you is navigating their complex inner landscape – just as you are?
This isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about understanding that messy humanity is universal, not selective. The leader who grasps this builds stronger connections and unlocks potential others miss.
Next time someone falls short, pause before attaching permanent labels. Their story, like yours, is still being written.
