Is Reconciliation the Key to Stronger Leadership?
What’s the most challenging part of leadership? For many, it’s not strategy or decision-making—it’s navigating the problematic relationships that come with leading others. Conflicts, miscommunications, and broken relationships can weigh down any leader, making it feel like forward momentum is impossible. That’s why reconciliation in business relationships can be so crucial.
But what if reconciliation—gracefully mending those fractures—was the secret to unlocking long-term success?
In this post, I’ll share how lessons from Genesis 33-36 have shaped my approach to leadership and relationships. Through humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation in business relationships, I’ve seen transformation, not just in my personal life but also in my business. By applying these principles to your leadership journey, you’ll find new ways to build trust, foster loyalty, and create a culture of success.
The Pain of Broken Relationships in Business and Life
I’ve experienced broken relationships in nearly every area—from ministry to the military, in my personal life, and business. These fractures were painful, leaving me feeling betrayed and isolated, especially when pride and fear got in the way of reconciliation in business relationships.
Fear keeps us from healing. It convinces us that reaching out will only bring more pain. Pride tells us we’re justified in holding onto the hurt. But these two forces—fear and pride—prevent us from experiencing the peace and growth that come from reconciliation.
One recent experience reminded me of this truth. I was waiting for an appointment with a doctor running behind schedule. Instead of reacting with frustration, I chose to respond with grace. When the doctor finally arrived, he apologized, visibly surprised by my understanding and forgiveness. It was a small moment, but it reinforced the power of grace and reminded me how holding onto frustration only hurts us in the long run.
Reconciliation in Leadership: Learning from Jacob and Esau
In Genesis 33, we see a decisive moment of reconciliation between Jacob and Esau. After years of betrayal and estrangement, Jacob, weighed down by fear, approaches Esau seeking forgiveness. Instead of meeting him with anger, Esau embraces Jacob, marking a moment of healing and restoration.
This story resonates with leaders in any context—whether running a business or leading a team. I’ve experienced similar moments of estrangement, where reconciliation seemed impossible. Fear and pride told me to keep my distance, but when I humbled myself and sought peace, I found restoration and healing that exceeded my expectations.
One memory takes me back to my time in the military, where I trusted and confided in a senior military leader and even poured into one of my subordinates. In time, those relationships were tested, and I experienced the pain of betrayal. Not only that, but I also felt let down by the system, the Army, and the leaders appointed to care for us Soldiers. Despite years of loyalty and sacrifice, it often felt like we were being left behind; we left others behind and were treated as if we didn’t have a soul.
It’s easy to let these feelings of betrayal rot in the military, business, and your personal life outside your profession. But like Jacob and Esau, the real strength of leadership comes through grace, humility, and the courage to seek reconciliation in business relationships.
The Impact of Reconciliation in Business: Trust, Loyalty, and Growth
So, what does reconciliation have to do with business? In short—everything.
Early in my career, I often focused on results and efficiency, pushing through conflicts without stopping to mend broken relationships. But I soon realized that trust, loyalty, and long-term success hinge on how we navigate these challenges. When I started focusing on reconciliation—taking the time to mend relationships, whether with clients or team members—my business transformed. This made me appreciate the importance of reconciliation in business relationships.
In the military, much of my experience was built on transactional relationships. People come and go all the time, and if you waited long enough, either you or they would get orders and march down the road. So, rather than address conflicts head-on, we often ignored them, choosing to ‘go along to get along’ or play nice. It was easier to assume the problem would eventually leave with the following orders. But as I transitioned out of that environment, I realized how much that mindset cost me. Ignoring conflicts doesn’t solve them; it only delays the inevitable and prevents growth. The missed opportunities for deeper understanding and reconciliation were significant. In my post-military life, I’ve learned the value of addressing issues, building long-term relationships, and fostering trust through grace, instead of waiting for change to come on its own.
Applying Reconciliation to Leadership and Business
The story of Jacob and Esau provides a roadmap for leadership today. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or even your family, here are key takeaways to apply from their reconciliation:
- Humility Opens Doors: Approaching others with a humble heart, as Jacob did, paves the way for restoration. Pride can block progress, but humility invites trust.
- Forgiveness is Key: Esau’s willingness to forgive Jacob transformed their relationship and future. In business, extending grace—whether to a client, colleague, or employee—can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
- Reconciliation Brings Growth: As I’ve experienced in the military and business, reconciliation isn’t just about mending a relationship—it’s about becoming more robust because of it. Stronger partnerships lead to sustainable growth, increased loyalty, and a more resilient organization.
Offer: Building Stronger Businesses Through Reconciliation
As a leader, you can create lasting change through reconciliation. Are there relationships in your business or personal life that need healing? Are fear and pride holding you back from taking the first step?
Now is the time to make a difference. Start by reflecting on where reconciliation can transform your leadership. Whether with a client, a colleague, or even in your own family, embracing grace and seeking peace will heal relationships and strengthen your business’s foundation. Reconciliation in business relationships can lead to more prosperous and harmonious environments.
I invite you to take this journey with me. Comment below or reach out directly—I’d love to hear how reconciliation has shaped your leadership and where you see growth opportunities. Let’s build businesses and lives grounded in grace, humility, and lasting success together.
Check out my previous post on trust and integrity in business leadership.