The pandemic has tested this skill in some, bought out latent courage in others, and allowed others to simply shine because they relied on courage to get things done.
I’ve always referred to “Courage” as the mothership. It’s the value that finds its place in how we live all our other values. We need it many- a -times to stay true, many- a- times to show empathy….. the list is endless. Several leaders including Roosevelt, Mandela and the renowned writer Mark Twain have defined Courage well. “Courage is not the absence of fear but rather it’s the mastery over fear”.
Every great leader has to take that giant leap of faith at some point in their lives and it is that moment that truly differentiates them from their peers. The pandemic has tested this skill in some, bought out latent courage in others, and allowed others to simply shine because they relied on courage to get things done.
Every person has an untapped reservoir of courage in them, which is unleashed when they are driven by a purpose. But it’s important to add that Courage and Foolishness are really two sides of the same coin. Taking a courageous approach to leadership does not mean that the decisions you make are rash or impulsive. HBR says that leaders must focus on the process of making intelligent gambles or “courage calculation”, which allows for deliberate, well-informed decision making.
Here are some ways you can unleash that latent reservoir of courage and make the best of your leadership potential:
1. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable:
Acknowledge that you will have to face your fears to grow as an individual- be it public speaking, stepping into a leadership role in a new company, or learning new, unfamiliar skills in today’s age of technology.
2. Have the courage to do the right thing:
Sometimes, what’s right and what’s popular is not the same thing- uphold your values and stick to your morals when you face issues of ethics. Think of prominent whistle-blowers who put their careers on the line for the greater good- you may not have an opportunity to expose financial fraud or corruption, but there will be times you will have to take a stand for what you believe is right.
3. Take risks, and take failure in your stride:
The only chances we regret are the ones we don’t take- some of the risks you take may open up new opportunities for growth, while the others won’t be as successful. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start afresh with a new perspective when things don’t go your way.
4. Accept your shortcomings and be open to feedback:
It takes courage to accept your mistakes with grace- take responsibility for your errors, accept constructive criticism, and make amends where required. Remember you are constantly learning, growing and evolving- mistakes are just a part and parcel of the process!
In the immortal words of Churchill – Fear is a reaction, Courage is a Decision!
Source: Business World
