Actionable Strategies for Courageous Leadership

Does the weight of expectation ever bear down upon you, making you question whether you're truly cut out for the leadership mantle you wear?

Have you watched peers, with an envious gaze, effortlessly commanding attention, resonating with every word, while you struggle to find that same level of engagement and influence?

Ever wondered if there's a missing piece in your leadership puzzle?

I see you. I've been there. And I understand the silent challenges you grapple with—those late-night contemplations about whether you're making a real impact or just going through the motions.

True leadership is about more than just titles or tenures; it's about courage!

The Power of Leading with Courage

Courage is not merely the absence of fear, but the audacity to move forward despite it. It’s the inner strength to venture into the unknown, to stand firm in the face of adversity, and to pursue a vision even when the path is riddled with challenges. Leadership, in its essence, demands this very courage. When a leader embodies courage, they inspire trust, ignite passion, and instill a resolute spirit within their team.

The power of leading with courage is transformative. It not only elevates the individual but uplifts entire organizations, propelling them into realms of success previously deemed unreachable. Courageous leaders foster cultures where innovation thrives, risks are taken, and boundaries are incessantly pushed.

Yet, how does one harness this power? How can a leader cultivate and exercise courage in a world often fraught with uncertainty and rapid change?

The journey to courageous leadership is akin to strengthening a muscle—it demands consistent effort, understanding, and practice.

In this article, I'll provide actionable strategies to help you develop this "courage muscle" as a leader, ensuring that you not only navigate the stormy seas of leadership but truly chart new territories with confidence and vision.

1. Embrace Vulnerability: The Unlikely Powerhouse of Leadership

Being vulnerable isn't about airing every personal issue, but it's about being genuine, admitting when you don't have all the answers, and seeking input openly.

Actionable Step: At the beginning of your next team meeting, share a challenge you're currently grappling with, and ask for their insights. This can be a project-related issue or a leadership concern. I’d steer clear of messy issues that might cause gossip among the troops.

Why It Works: People, including your employees and stakeholders, don't just connect with success stories. They connect with the journey, the struggles, the failures, and the resurgence.

2. Commit to Authenticity: Lead with Genuine Intent

In the frenetic world of leadership, it's easy to get swayed by external pressures or popular opinion. However, authenticity stands out and earns respect, as it speaks to consistency, reliability, and genuine intent.

Actionable Step: Dedicate a specific time each week, even if it's just 15 minutes, for self-reflection. During this time, review decisions made during the week, assessing whether they aligned with your core values. Maintain a personal journal to jot down moments when you felt particularly authentic or moments of deviation, to understand patterns and areas of improvement.

Example: A company CEO, faced with a product recall decision, referred back to the company's core value of "Customer Trust". Even though the financial implications were significant, the CEO chose to recall and replace the product. In subsequent team meetings, he openly discussed this decision, emphasizing the importance of staying true to values over short-term gains. This move not only resonated with employees but also bolstered the company's reputation among its customer base.

3. Welcome Dissent: The Pathway to Innovation

Diversity of thought can be a game-changer for organizations. It's often the contrary opinion, the outlier idea, that sparks true innovation. Yet, creating an environment where dissent is not just tolerated but welcomed requires intentional effort.

Actionable Step: Initiate a monthly "Dissent & Discuss" session. In these sessions, present current strategies or upcoming projects and specifically invite alternative viewpoints or critiques. Ensure that the ground rules emphasize respect, constructive feedback, and a shared goal of organizational betterment. Moreover, publicly acknowledge and reward those who bring fresh perspectives, further encouraging a culture of open dialogue.

Why It Works: The most groundbreaking ideas often come from challenging the status quo. By welcoming dissent, you're not only promoting innovation but also instilling a sense of belonging among team members, making them feel valued.

My former client Senator and Astronaut Mark Kelly tells a story about allowing the more people junior people to speak up first. In the case of NASA’s Columbia disaster in February 2003 that killed 7 astronaunts on board, where a younger engineer’s concerns weren’t taken seriously about a hole in the insulation upon lift off which ultimately caused the demise of the shuttle. After that, NASA changed their policy to always listen to younger employees first and lastly, the leaders speak.

4. Lead by Example: Actions Speak Louder

Leadership is not just about crafting visions and setting directions—it's about walking the talk. When a leader embodies the principles they preach, it creates a culture of integrity and trust within the team.

Actionable Step: Conduct a bi-monthly self-assessment where you evaluate your own adherence to the standards you've set for the team. This could be in the form of a checklist. For instance, if you've emphasized punctuality, check if you've been on time for meetings. If you stress quality, ensure your own deliverables meet the mark. For areas where you fall short, take immediate corrective action and, if necessary, communicate openly with your team, acknowledging the oversight and demonstrating accountability.

Example: In a marketing firm, the department head emphasized the importance of detailed research for campaigns. However, during a presentation, she realized her own slides lacked the depth she had been advocating. Instead of deflecting, she acknowledged it in front of the team, took feedback, and ensured her subsequent presentations were up to the mark. This not only strengthened her credibility but also fortified the culture of accountability within the department.

In conclusion, true leadership is a journey, not a destination.

It's a continuous process of self-improvement, reflection, and action. It requires the courage to step out of comfort zones, to be vulnerable, to be authentic, and above all, to serve as a beacon for others.

Thought leaders, CEOs, future game-changers: ask yourself, are you ready to summon the courage to lead, not just from the front but from within? Are you prepared to ignite the spark that can not only change your trajectory but that of countless others who look up to you?

If you ever find yourself grappling with these challenges, remember, you're not alone on this journey. If guidance is what you seek, reach out. Let's harness the courage within you, shaping it into a force that can redefine landscapes and legacies.

I would like to invite you to a conversation with me designed to challenge you to understand your inspiring leadership style to see if our coaching program is right for you.

For a limited time, we are accepting applications from C Suite Leaders, CEOS and Entrepreneurs who want to access their own vulnerability and empathic and courageous leadership through story telling and empowering messages.

Please follow the link below to schedule a time to discuss how you can elevate your brand, your organization and your career through motivational and courageous speaking.

About Mary Gardner

A nationally recognized speaker and public speaking coach, Mary Gardner rose to prominence in the industry as an agent at Keppler Speakers. She then founded The Coaches Certification Institute in Princeton, New Jersey, the first business and life coaching and training school on the east coast. An avid communicator with a passion for helping others find their charismatic voice, Gardner has worked to raise the profile of many executives, celebrities, professional athletes and influencers, and transition them to new, lucrative careers in the motivational speaking circuit. In her role as the President of the Inspirational Speakers Academy, she has created a workshop series that fast tracks former professional football players into an exciting new career as professional motivational speakers.

Mary draws on her experience as a television and radio host, where she appeared on Nightline, The Today Show, CNN, ABC 20/20, CBS, Fox, and MSNBC. She has addressed corporate and college audiences across the country, and her client list includes Goldman Sachs, Mercedes Benz, Computer Associates and numerous Wall Street financial institutions. She also has experience as a professional spokesperson. In a coaching capacity, Gardner has worked with astronaut Mark Kelly, professional athletes Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Peggy Fleming, Bernard King, Mike Hayes and Randy Grimes as well as TV anchors, CEOs, and executives who are respected experts in their fields.