"HE WHO CANNOT FORGIVE, BREAKS THE BRIDGE OVER WHICH HE HIMSELF MUST PASS."
-George Herbert

Resentment toward those we work, live, or associate with for a "perceived" wrong is understandable - at least at first - but ultimately is inevitably self-destructive. For example:

"WHEN YOU HOLD RESENTMENT TOWARD ANOTHER, YOU ARE BOUND BY THAT PERSON OR CONDITION BY AN EMOTIONAL LINK THAT IS STRONGER THAN STEEL. FORGIVENESS IS THE ONLY WAY TO DISSOLVE THAT LINK AND GET FREE."
-Catherine Ponder

While our resentment toward coworkers or our "nuclear" family may have some initial justification, the results can be global. Think embargoes, invasions, wars or racial cleansing. As Gandhi noted:

"IF WE PRACTICE AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH, SOON THE WHOLE WORLD WILL BE BLIND AND TOOTHLESS."

Spring has sprung, so it's the perfect time to bring your management group together to make sure "TEAMWORK" is more than just a word in your organization. Give Twyman a call at 615 370-3587 to discuss how to reach the outcome you desire and beat the competition to the punch!

"Our professionals enjoyed your "at-ease" approach in which they were all involved, and not simply lectured. You have a gift for speaking and our professionals will take home some valuable skills to implement in their lives and workplace. We look forward to utilizing your services in the future."
Jeff Abbot, Executive Director
Tennessee PGA

When someone plots to cost us our job or inheritance, we are threatened to our core and find it hard not to want to annihilate them any way we can. Forgiveness seems like a silly term we faintly heard in Sunday school that no longer applies to the REAL WORLD. The realization that forgiveness is superior to resentment is not a natural or instinctive occurrence, but is a learned attribute gained through the process of maturation:

"THE DAY THE CHILD REALIZES THAT ALL ADULTS ARE IMPERFECT, HE BECOMES AN ADOLESCENT; THE DAY HE FORGIVES THEM, HE BECOMES AN ADULT; THE DAY HE FORGIVES HIMSELF, HE BECOMES WISE."
-Alden Nowlan

The quote above deserves a re-reading and a posting in our head. We (just like others we readily blame) have hurt ourselves (though unintentionally) often, but these transgressions also need to be forgiven, so we can truly achieve self-acceptance. We need to bury the mistaken childhood belief that to hold grudges and seek revenge is honorable, while seeking common ground and extending forgiveness is a sign of weakness. Au Contraire! In fact:

"THE WEAK CAN NEVER FORGIVE. FORGIVENESS IS THE ATTRIBUTE OF STRONG."
- Mahatma Gandhi

So, if you really care about true victory, remember the answer Abe Lincoln gave when asked what he was going to do about his enemies when he was elected president. He replied:

"I AM GOING TO DESTROY THEM. I AM GOING TO MAKE THEM MY FRIENDS."
From the chapter on "Attitude" in Twyman's book, "The Wisdom of Wolves: Nature's Way To Organizational Success"

So, if you are having a hard time accepting this advice, just remember:

"ALWAYS FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES - NOTHING ANNOYS THEM SO MUCH."
- Oscar Wilde

Be especially vigilant when dealing with your friends and those who truly love and appreciate you (your spiritual family), by realizing that:

"IT IS EASIER TO FORGIVE AN ENEMY THAN A FRIEND."
- Madame Dorothe`e Deluzy

Consulting, speaking, retreats, mediation and great books for your management team - it's what we do. Email or call us and let's talk about improving creativity, teamwork and productivity.