The Secret to Successful Teamwork: Forgiveness

Fostering a culture of forgiveness strengthens work relationships and boosts collaboration — moving beyond just saying, "I'm sorry."

For more on developing a culture of collaboration, check out my intensive course, How to Build a Fearless Culture Program.

Marusya Wrobel/Stocksy

As the year winds down, we naturally pause to reflect on our journey and those who’ve helped us along the way. Expressing appreciation for our teammates is a meaningful way to build trust.

But there’s something even more powerful: forgiveness.

Unlike gratitude, which celebrates accomplishments, forgiveness requires courage. We’ve all hurt our teammates at some point. True forgiveness requires confronting our shortcomings head-on. We must own our mistakes, make amends, and be compassionate.

Teams that embrace forgiveness aren't just clearing the air – they’re more likely to achieve growth and success.

How Forgiveness Changes Teams

“We are allies.” — Reid Hoffman

This phrase from LinkedIn’s co-founder captures the essence of true teamwork. Being allies isn’t about a shared purpose; it’s about commitment. It’s the promise to support one another, especi…