Organizations and People

The Value of Forgiveness

Because of day-to-day friction, our relationships sometimes break down. To repair them, we have to change the culture found in so many organizations that expects us to be thick-skinned and to overlook brusqueness and rejection. We have to learn to apologize, to forgive and to rebuild broken bridges.

Coexisting with others in all the different areas of our lives – at work, at home, with friends, and neighbors – generates friction, and friction can damage relationships. The closer together we live, the greater the probability that friction will arise. Even a well-established relationship runs the risk of breaking down when the people involved iinteract more frequently.

I remember the case of a volunteer with an NGO who told me that his work had saved his marriage. He traveled frequently and the time away helped him avoid any unnecessary friction. Interaction is a key factor in any relationship. Indeed, both too much and too little interaction can affect our relationships. Just think about the number of friends you have lost touch with after moving to a new place.

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