There was a TV Show in the 80's called the Facts of Life and the theme song said "You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life..." It was a great show about young girls at a boarding school coming of age and learning various life lessons. The first line of the theme song is a good reality lens for life.
We like to think of our heroes and leaders in a certain way. We like to focus on the good they have done, many times to the exclusion of even the possibility of them doing something in conflict of our image of them as good. However, it seems that perfection continues to elude every human, no matter how hard we try to do better. This is an important thing to remember as individuals and as leaders, no one is or can be perfect.
As individuals, while we hold ourselves to a high standard, we have to give ourselves some grace when the inevitable shortcoming happens. And we must not use the shortcoming as an excuse to give up, but as the push to do better. Likewise, when we lead others, we can choose to allow shortcomings to be teaching and learning moments that encourage continued efforts. When we choose to elevate leaders, we must extend this same grace and exercise discernment. Sometimes those capable of great works and positive change, and who may even be successful at such positive change, may also be challenged to do the right thing and to make the right decision. This isn't to say that we should exempt people from the consequences of their negative actions. It is to say that negative actions don't necessarily negate the positivity and progress that may have been realized from that same person. It is simply to say that when we take the good, and the bad, we will have a more objectively accurate picture of the facts of life. It is simply to say, that imperfect people are capable of incredible, positive impact and imperfection should not be a deterrent to realizing your goals, your dreams, or your purpose.
Today in the United States of America, we recognize the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. and we remain grateful for the dream he shared, the encouragement to take action that he led, and the values of love and inclusion he espoused.
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