Great leaders must have courage.

Podcast Version

To be a great leader, you must have courage. That might mean leading your team into uncharted territory or taking on a new challenge yourself. Either way, it takes guts to be a great leader. But courage isn't always about taking risks. It's also about being honest with your team, owning up to your mistakes, and admitting when you need help. Leaders who show their vulnerability are often the most respected and effective. So don't be afraid to show some courage in your leadership journey - it might take you further than you ever thought possible.

What it means to be a leader

Being a leader is not an easy task. It requires the courage to make decisions, even when they may be unpopular, and the commitment to fight for what is right. In addition, leaders must take responsibility for their team's success and failure, communicate transparently, and continuously demonstrate their willingness to listen. Finally, an effective leader should also advocate for their people – understanding their needs and helping them feel valued to ensure everyone can reach their fullest potential.

The importance of courage in leadership

Courage is an essential trait of successful leadership. Constant changes in the environment can require tough conversations, and often, decisions must be made under pressure. Taking the right action requires courage, as leaders make calls with uncertain outcomes. Having that courage builds trust amongst followers and shows consistency in decision-making. It also helps to build confidence as team members rely on their leader's constant willingness to do what is seen as the right thing by all involved. Courageous leadership leads to better decisions and more success for those interested.

Leaders who have shown courage

In my Coursera course on #leadership from the 密西根大学 , we discussed one widely taken example of someone who showed tremendous courage: Gene Kranz. In the harrowing and tense situation involving the Apollo 13 mission, where a disastrous issue was threatening the lives of the astronauts and the potential success of the entire mission, Kranz displayed immense courage in ensuring all possible resources were used to bring the astronauts home safely. Despite all the odds stacked against him in this unknown and complex event, he led with conviction. In times like these, leaders need to have immense courage to make decisions, set direction, and ultimately ensure success for their teams.

How leaders can develop courage

Leaders must speak up, ask for help and trust their gut when making the call. Often, courage is not a natural quality you have and develop over time. Instead, courage must be built by regularly pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Embarking on educational programs and seeking the guidance of more experienced leaders will help empower you with the knowledge needed to make difficult decisions confidently. As a leader, it is important to remember that everyone has their interpretation of right versus wrong. Regardless, do not be afraid to be bold and make the call! Not only will you learn from every decision, but your team will also appreciate clear direction and leadership.

How leaders practice courage every day

Leaders today must be courageous to make the right decisions in any situation. However, asking tough questions at the right time and taking a stand when challenged can be uncomfortable. An excellent way for leaders to practice courage is by finding opportunities throughout their day to ask questions or challenge themselves. You can start by asking for candid feedback from your team on a particular issue that nobody else may have brought up yet, and don't be afraid of making mistakes. Being willing to ask tough questions and clarify your stance when challenged will help build courage in you as a leader, allowing you to make better decisions in the future.

There are many definitions of being a leader, but one common thread is the need for courage. Leaders must have the courage to make decisions – even when it's difficult or scary. Being courageous doesn't mean being fearless; it means having the strength to act despite your fears. We admire leaders who have shown us what it looks like to face challenges bravely. But you don't have to be a world-famous CEO or public figure to practice courage daily. You can start by confidently making small decisions and speaking up when you see something wrong. As you become more comfortable taking risks and standing up for yourself and others, people may begin to look to you as a leader. Who are some of the most courageous leaders you know? Share their stories with us in the comments!

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