The wisdom hidden in scars

Scars are marks left following damage or a traumatic experience. Some scars are physical like the rubbery strip of tissue on your repaired shoulder. Others are mental like the guilt you feel when you think about the car wreck you caused as a teenager.

We all have scars. They are evidence of life, mortality, and learning. Visible outside is experience and vulnerability. Hidden inside is wisdom.  

All scars have a story. List out your scars, and you can tell the story of each one. In that story is wisdom. Pulling it out requires self-reflection.

Scars are a powerful learning tool and they’re also a powerful leadership tool. 

As a leader, scars are not signs of weakness; they are signs of resilience. When you share them, there are many benefits.

First, you increase trust. Scars represent vulnerability, which leads to trust. And trust is the foundation of a high-performing team. 

Second, you increase constructive conflict. Scars provide context to help others grasp your thinking. Context leads to constructive conflict which leads to commitment in a high-performing team.

Third, you impart wisdom. Scars turn into lessons for others, helping them speed up their development. And team member development is key in a high-performing team.

What wisdom hides in your scars?