DELIVER: November 2022

In The Evolution of Confidence, I offered up on the connection of Candor and Courage in building Confidence. I humbly recommend the read and reflect. I also suggested that that issue of DELIVER would be part of a 3-parter on Confidence, moving into the relationship of Courage and Confidence in this issue.?

Courage First, Confidence Second

A Marine who fought in the Vietnam War told me in 1988, "Courage first, Confidence second". It followed a story he shared about being trapped behind "enemy lines" and me asking him (at the age of 28 myself) if he had been "scared". He expressed an expletive and explained that anyone in said situation who claimed that they were not scared was either a fool or a liar. He then respectfully but assertively pointed at my chest and suggested I ever remember these words. "Courage first, Confidence second."

I have. And I understood what he was insisting on then and now. Courage is the soil from which the metaphorical tree of Confidence grows. Take care of the soil and the tree will take care of itself. We spend so much time "working on" our Confidence when it always is about practicing Courage. Stepping beyond the "known"; that now cliched "comfort zone". Look, comfort is cool. Our oases of such are good. But Confidence is the by-product of stepping out and learning from our trials and triumphs alike. No book will advance our Confidence. No course nor training will... unless they provide us opportunity to practice Courage... in action. As an Educator, I understand this in the classroom. Knowledge does not singularly build Confidence. Knowledge, in practice, does... and we need both.

The Foundation of Courage

If you seek to better Unite and Inspire... if you want to better develop Empathy... or a greater sense of Purpose... or better living your Life and Country... or advancing Boldness... or exploring... or following those breadcrumbs ... or facing change and challenge... or getting to mission ... Courage not only matters, it is foundational.

I humbly suggest that you read and reflect on the Virtue that is Courage. Where do you most and best need practice it now, and forward? Do that.

Ever increasingly, join the CLUB.

Peace.

Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy with Epic Engage.

Me?on LinkedIn

CHECK OUT

• The Character LENS to Lead
• Developing Leadership Character – Ivey Business Journal

• TUGtv
• The Global Goals
• The Virtues Project

Epic Engage

• You?are an Activant … an Educator, Entrepreneur or Emerging Leader who is looking to make constructive change happen, on the ground, real-world, real-time. You are world-embracing and noble-hearted. You seek to mobilize a strong, united and character-driven team to change the world or your corner of it. You want to lead, inspire, educate and unite in doing so.?Let’s go build a better world!

On the other hand, I?am an Activant too; an Educator and Entrepreneur by experience, education and?Enthusiasm... with 40 years in leadership training and development, 27 years in business college education and 20 years certified and associated with?The Virtues Project. Additionally certified for 16 years in?Temperament?Assessment and with a longstanding body of work around Character Leadership, I help advance?conversation, consultation and capacity around?Character,?Purpose?and?Unity...?and?the?global goals. My work in business and education is to help those building a better world at school, work, business and community; locally and globally.?Humans together, strong.... that is?my?meaning... and?the space I can stay forever. To that?just cause, I commit.