Truth and Reconciliation

Last week we said goodbye to a true master. A master of moodset. A man like Mandela.

Reading the obituaries is revealing. The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu was much adored and appreciated because of his love and forgiveness.

He led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and published a book called No Future without Forgiveness about his epiphanies. Tutu is also credited with coining the term “Rainbow Nation” referring to South Africa’s rich tapestry and diversity.

South Africa was on the brink of civil war in the early 90s. There is no doubt that Tutu played a part alongside Mandela, in transforming the national mood from one of hate to one of hope. Tutu went on to share his learnings and his vision with other troubled regions of the world.

Truth promotes trust. A climate of transparency is a moodset for mastery. As Daniel Coyle reveals in his book The Culture Code, a sense of purpose, vulnerability, and psychological safety, is necessary for a true culture of excellence.

Stakeholders need to feel inspired about the meaning of their work, comfortable to share their insights, and secure enough to be honest. This is the essence of what Tutu strove to achieve wherever he went. This is servant leadership.

Every staircase starts with the first step. Archbishop Desmond Tutu taught us that we can all make a difference in our homes and our communities by spreading love rather than hate, and being prepared to forgive in order to move forward.

At this time of year, perhaps more so than ever before, the message of truth and reconciliation, of forgiveness and faith, is a significant legacy for us all.