Instead of putting up with someone’s behaviour, you are able to tolerate it, which helps him or her to change - Reason 4

One of the big challenges we live in our modern society is diversity.  On one hand, it opens an incredible space for learning and change; on the other hand, humans are not made to live with people who are too different from themselves.

It is a fact everyone likes to live with other people who are equal to them, or at least have some similitude.  When you have to live with people who are too different, well, you just grit your teeth and move on.

As a leader, you don’t do that.  Instead, you use one of the most powerful capacities any leader has: tolerance.

Tolerance is an internal power that enables its owner to live her or his own life as it is, without being disturbed by others’ behaviour.  In fact, a tolerant person gives others a very valuable lesson on how to deal with differences.  And as we know, learning is changing.

Tolerance enables others to change not because they have to, but because the leader is giving so much to them that they feel the need and benefit of changing.  By changing on the basis of tolerance a common and strong ground is built, easing the relationship and helping each other to adapt to the other.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)