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LEADERSHIP COURAGE
It is not just about heroic, courageous acts. It is about intentionally pursuing your dreams until become your reality... and doing so with conviction.
The French word "courage" is defined as " to act with heart and spirit." According to Aristotle, courage is the first human virtue because it makes all of the other virtues possible. Great leaders throughout history have acted from their hearts- from a deep seeded passion and energy. In short, heroes drive action for a cause. Great leaders demonstrate bold but reasoned judgment, spirited but calculated risk-taking and an assertive but reflective disposition. Followers want leaders who make decisions decisively but inclusively, interpret situations with rational and emotional intelligence and exude confidence and humility. In short, they want to join a leader who exemplifies behaviors that brings out the best in them. As leaders, we may have learned to hold our own dreams close to the vest. We may consider personal and professional goals, but find ourselves in a place of "comfort," of "stagnation," or even worse, in a place of "fear" which prevents us from taking the required action to make these dreams a reality. What does it take to become a leader who demonstrates leadership courage? The Courage To Take Action o The courage of initiative and action - making the first attempts, pursuing pioneering efforts and stepping up to the plate. o Is there a dream you have not pursued? What is stopping you? o Is there a business decision you must make for your team and organization, but you are not acting on it? Are you stock in the "fear"? The Courage To Trust o The courage of confidence in others - letting go of the need to control situations or outcomes, having faith in people and being open to direction and change. o Are you micromanaging? Are you telling people how to do their job? Is your fear to take risks greater than the realization that when you do micromanage, you take away the initiative and the ownership of those you lead? The Courage To Speak Up o The courage of voice- raising difficult issues, providing tough feedback and sharing unpopular opinions. o Are you living up to and speaking with conviction and presence? o Are you stock in the "comfort zone" in which you realize that not saying what you think is "safer"? o Have you "checked out" and simply going through "motions." The ability to take action, speak with conviction and trust others is critical to your leadership success. Failure to act, voice your view and extend trust creates a leadership void, and others will fill that void quickly. Trust yourself intuitively to take the bold steps required to win with your team in the marketplace. "The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure." Sven Goran Eriksson
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