Embrace the Bold: 5 Ways for Courageous Decisions To Foster Team Connections

Nobody has ever accused me of lacking boldness. In fact, quite the opposite. Some have even suggested, or at least thought, that I might be a tad reckless. Throughout my life, I've taken many risks, both professionally and personally. Take, for instance, the year 2006. I decided to leave my executive HR position at the fastest-growing energy company worldwide to start my own business.

My primary mentor at the time told me I was out of my mind. After all, I was on everyone's succession plan, had a lucrative compensation package, and had the ear of almost every decision-maker. My career was only limited by the potential for a significant misstep. Yet, I felt an insatiable need for a larger challenge. Radical growth wasn't just an option; it was an imperative for me. I knew that only through bold moves could my true potential be unleashed.

Don't misunderstand me; leaving your team or current role isn't the only way to demonstrate boldness. It was just the path I needed to take. There were other personal reasons that factored into my decision as well. You can - and should - be bold within your current role and team. So, let's discuss that.

Boldness. It's a word that has reverberated through my many years of leadership consulting and training, echoing in the hallways of businesses and boardrooms. You see, it's not just a word or an attitude; it's a key competency. It's the daring to drive change, to foster innovation, and, most of all, to create deep connections within teams.

So, what do we mean by boldness in the workplace? It's the readiness to take risks, make tough calls, and challenge the status quo. It's having the guts to stand up for your ideas and take the lead when needed. But let's be clear: boldness isn't about being reckless or thoughtlessly disruptive; it's about taking calculated risks and thinking out of the box.

Boldness is the secret sauce that fuels innovation and keeps companies ahead of the curve. I've had clients who've made audacious decisions, like completely reinventing their product line despite significant risks. Guess what? They nailed it. Their bold move set them apart in their industry and propelled them to new heights.

Now, let's talk about teams. When boldness steps into the picture, team dynamics shift for the better. An atmosphere of trust and open communication takes root, encouraging everyone to bring their unique ideas to the table. Teams with bold leaders at the helm tend to be more engaged, more committed, and let's face it - they just perform better.

But the magic of boldness doesn't stop there. It has this unique ability to cultivate deeper connections among team members. How? By promoting authenticity and transparency. Bold decisions often come with high stakes and navigating through them together can strengthen the team's bond, enhancing collaboration and cohesion. From my own experience, I've seen teams come out of challenging projects stronger, more united, and with a renewed sense of camaraderie, all thanks to bold leadership.

So, as leaders, how can we tap into this power of boldness? Start by fostering an environment that values and rewards innovation and risk-taking. Make it known that bold ideas are not just welcome, they are celebrated. Encourage open communication and don’t forget to model this boldness yourself. Lastly, embrace failures. They come with the territory of boldness. The trick is to see them as opportunities to learn and grow, not as setbacks.

When we speak of boldness as a competency, we're referring to the ability to assert oneself in the face of risks, uncertainty, and potential opposition. It's about stepping out of the comfort zone, making tough decisions, and pioneering innovative solutions. Boldness as a competency is characterized by calculated risk-taking, strong self-expression, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Now, let's talk about how boldness fosters connectedness in the workplace. Boldness creates an environment of openness and authenticity. When leaders and team members are bold, they tend to be more honest and transparent in their communication. They aren't afraid to voice their ideas, concerns, or opinions. This level of openness encourages others to do the same, creating a culture of trust and mutual respect. Shared experiences of bold decisions and actions can also strengthen the sense of teamwork and camaraderie, leading to deeper interpersonal connections.

As for cultivating the competency of boldness, there are several practical ways:

1. Embrace calculated risks: Boldness starts with the willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Encourage yourself and your team to take on challenging projects and make tough decisions.
2. Foster a culture of open communication: Encourage team members to voice their ideas and opinions, and ensure they feel heard and valued.
3. Promote innovation: Encourage new ideas and innovative thinking. Celebrate those who think outside the box, and let them know their boldness is appreciated.
4. Learn from failure: Boldness often involves risks, and risks can lead to failure. But remember, failure is just a stepping stone to success. Use it as a learning opportunity and encourage your team to do the same.
5. Be a bold leader: Model bold behavior. Your team looks up to you. If they see you making bold decisions, taking risks, and learning from failures, they are more likely to do the same.

In a world that’s changing at breakneck speed, boldness is a competency we can't afford to ignore. It not only drives innovation and change but also fosters deeper connections within teams. So, here's my call to all leaders out there: Embrace boldness. Encourage it. Celebrate it. And for those who've experienced the transformative power of boldness, I'd love to hear your stories. Let's celebrate the power of boldness together!