Crisis Reveals Character: The Power of Forgiveness in Leadership

A note to young leaders.

Allow me to share an inspirational story about a colleague, Antoine Biger, whom I’m proud to call my friend.

Two weeks ago, he was riding his motorbike to work when a Ute suddenly cut across his path and collided with him.

The collision shattered Antoine’s left knee and caused multiple stress fractures in his spine. Thinking that Antoine might have been killed by the collision, the driver of the Ute emerged distraught and panic-stricken.

Lying prostrate on the road, in severe pain and bleeding – Antoine somehow found the strength to stretch out his arm to hold the driver’s hand and comfort him.
“It’s OK, don’t worry, I forgive you.” That’s how Antoine continually reassured the driver until he calmed down.

In moments of crisis and pressure, we are squeezed. What comes out of us is what’s already inside of us. Crises don’t make us, they reveal us.

In Antoine’s case, what came out was forgiveness – and forgiveness is unforgettable. Just ask the driver. He will surely one day tell of his encounter with Antoine to his grandchildren.