Courage

While completing my Master's Degree, I attended an event where American Express Chief HR officer, Kevin Cox talked about “courage” and how it is an essential characteristic of business professionals. I was struck by the idea that he was actively looking for employees to be the contrary voice of opinion or to take measured risks. 

As I’ve experienced more of the working world, I’ve come to understand that courage is integral in furthering a career. Each time we choose to take tough assignments, move to positions that are seen as unpopular, or step outside the boundaries of our role (be it accounting, HR, or marketing) we exemplify courage. Taking risks removes a safety net—perhaps a social, political, or professional comfort zone. When leaders remain where it is safe or easy, they are losing the chance to stretch their abilities 

In my most recent performance review, I received mainly good news, however, my manager ended the conversation by saying, “Joe we don’t expect everything you touch to turn to gold—otherwise you’d have my job. But you should continue to put yourself in uncomfortable situations where you’re forced to learn.”

My boss’s encouragement to be “uncomfortable,” came at a perfect time. I was in the process of choosing my next assignment and had many opportunities to make an impact. After the review, I reshuffled my options with the thought of how uncomfortable I would be in each role. The opportunities stacked up in a very different order, and I made a decision that took courage. I chose to take a role that was unfamiliar and where I might fall short of the expectations people had of me.

For those that are risk averse—like myself—we like knowing where we stand professionally. But when competing in a knowledge economy, risk takers win. Those who show the courage to experience hard things and occasionally fail—fail forward.