"Grace will take you places hustling can't"

~Brené Brown~

        One of the reasons I reference Brené Brown often is because I have noticed that she asks good questions. One of the questions I find most compelling is “Do you believe people are doing the best they can?” The answer to that will tell you a lot about yourself as a person—and as a leader. 

        This year, I forgot my mom’s birthday - and I didn’t remember for a full two days. Her birthday was on a Wednesday and I woke up on Friday morning remembering it. I have no excuse. I simply forgot. There wasn’t anything extraordinary happening that day. In fact, I talked to her on the phone that morning like I do most mornings. 

        On the surface it seems silly and even a little embarrassing: I specifically teach people how to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Nevertheless,...