Leading Everyday - Courage: The Backbone of True Leadership

 

Usually, when people think of courage, they think of people who willingly subject themselves to danger.

It would be a fireman running into a burning home to save a family. Or it could be a soldier going into battle fully aware that they might not return alive.

Or it can be someone like Malala Yousafzai, who courageously stood up for girls' education, defying the Taliban's ban and surviving an assassination attempt on her school bus due to her outspoken advocacy.

I would also suggest that it could be the person in a meeting who musters the courage to go against the grain and offer a differing point of view despite the fear they feel.

The examples above represent men and women who put themselves in dangerous (or simply uncomfortable) situations for a cause or a service they believe in.

All these brave souls represent what C.S. Lewis describes when he says, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”

"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." – C.S. Lewis.

What is courage in leadership?

Courage has been defined in many different ways. One is not the lack of fear but the willingness to act because of that fear. And it can manifest itself in various ways.

It could be the willingness to speak up when everything in you is fighting against you not to speak up.

Or it could be delivering harsh feedback to the employee that their performance is not where it should be.

It could also mean making tough decisions that many would shy away from, but takes someone with fortitude and vision to make them.

It could be a complete shift in business strategy that doesn’t have support from key stakeholders, but knowing that if change doesn’t happen, the organization's very survival could be at stake.

Steve Jobs comes to mind when he made tough choices such as streamlining product lines, focusing on innovation, and forging critical partnerships to turn Apple around upon his return to lead the company.

Why is courage the core of every virtue?

Courage empowers other leadership virtues. It is the linchpin that enables leaders to embrace change, make difficult decisions, and inspire their teams to overcome challenges and pursue ambitious goals.

Integrity: 

Strong leadership requires the courage to stick by your values, even when facing pressure. While it's tempting to compromise under the weight of dissenting opinions, true leaders hold steadfast to their integrity.

However, as leaders, we must have the courage to stand by our values and know the difference between right and wrong. Leaders need to stand firm and be whole in their person, whether in public or private, and whether under pressure or not.

Leaders understand that compromising values erode trust and respect. Leaders with unwavering courage inspire others to act according to shared principles. It's vital to remember that compromising integrity for expediency often leads to negative long-term consequences.

Accountability: 

Courage to admit mistakes and learn from them. Admitting that we made a mistake or even that we do not know everything as leaders can be very intimidating. This is especially true when you become a leader because you know a lot, you have a lot of skills, knowledge, and technical ability, and people look up to you when business challenges present themselves.

But when you exhibit accountability, others will be more open to sharing their mistakes and admitting that they also need help. They have blind spots that can only be mitigated with the help of others who complement their skills and abilities.

Empathy: 

Courage to have difficult conversations and truly connect. Many times, we can feel uncomfortable having difficult conversations. It might be out of our skill and comfort zone, and we feel ill-prepared to have vulnerable conversations filled with emotions. However, as leaders, we must build the muscle to have conversations that will help.

The "Testing Point"

Leaders are forged in the crucible of adversity. Leadership and character are not revealed during peaceful and calm times. Think of the great leaders past and present. More likely than not, they were forged because of adversity they faced personally or as a nation.

When you exhibit courage as a leader, you gain respect and admiration from those who follow you. They know that they have a leader who will not buckle under pressure and will stand up for what is right, even if it’s to their own detriment. Also, it lets them know that you have their best interests in mind and are not just looking to save yourself.

Authentic leadership demands courage. It's the firefighter's unwavering resolve, the activist's defiance in the face of danger, and the boldness to speak your truth even when your voice shakes.

Courage isn't about fearlessness; it's about acting in service of your values despite your fear.

This courage empowers integrity, accountability, and the ability to connect with others. It allows you to make tough calls, stay true to your beliefs, and inspire those you lead.

Remember, leaders are forged in the fires of adversity. Embrace the challenges, rise with courage, and become the leader you were meant to be.