The Leadership Torch: Courage - The Leadership Superpower that Protects the Pride.

I’ve always felt a strong connection to the characteristics of an eagle. Its majesty, the way it soars high above the world, rising above storms and noise, is something that has always resonated with me. Eagles have a clear sense of purpose. They dominate the skies with grace and power, staying focused on their mission, untouched by the chaos beneath them. This has always been my personal approach—focusing on the bigger picture and rising above the noise with determination and gratitude.

My husband, however, relates deeply to the lion. He sees the lion as a symbol of courage, strength, and protection. The lion is the king of the savannah, leading the pride with a powerful sense of duty. The lion doesn’t just lead; it protects. It knows its role and confidently steps into it. Whether it's leading the pride to new hunting grounds or guarding against danger, the lion’s courage is a defining trait that ensures the pride’s survival and growth.

Together, we laugh and say that we’re like a griffin—a mythical creature that blends the eagle’s sharp vision and the lion’s fierce courage. This combination of strength and vision is a powerful metaphor for leadership. And it’s one that I believe every leader should embrace.

Just as the lion protects its pride with courage and conviction, leadership in any capacity requires the same kind of courage. Courage is not just about being fearless; it’s about taking action in the face of fear. It’s about stepping into your role, leading with heart, and protecting those who depend on you.

Courage Is the Leadership Superpower

I believe courage is, without a doubt, a leader’s superpower. It is what enables leaders to make tough decisions, guide their teams through challenges, and stand firm in the face of adversity. Without courage, leadership becomes hollow. Without the courage to take risks, there is no room for innovation. Without the courage to stand up for what's right, there is no integrity.

The lion leads the pride because it has earned the respect and trust of those it protects. Its strength and bravery give the pride confidence. They trust in their leader to guide them safely, to protect them from harm, and to lead them toward new opportunities. In many ways, this is what leadership is all about—earning the trust and respect of those around you through courageous action.

Courage isn’t just about being strong; it’s about using your strength for the benefit of others. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to do their best work. A courageous leader doesn’t shy away from challenges; they confront them head-on, always keeping the well-being of their team—their pride—at the forefront of their decisions.

Protecting the Pride: Courage in Action

A leader, like the lion, must have the courage to lead and protect their pride. This means having the courage to make difficult decisions, to take responsibility when things go wrong, and to stand up for the values that matter. It also means having the courage to admit when you don’t have all the answers and to seek out new perspectives.

Courage fuels creativity. It takes courage to step outside the norm, to think differently, and to try new approaches. Just as the lion must lead its pride into unfamiliar territories in search of food, leaders must be willing to guide their teams into new and uncharted waters in pursuit of growth and success.

Courage is also about protecting the emotional and psychological safety of your team. When people feel secure, knowing their leader has their back, they are more likely to take creative risks and share innovative ideas. A courageous leader doesn’t stifle creativity; they create a safe space for it to flourish.

Leading with Purpose and Vision

Just as the lion protects its pride with strength and purpose, leaders must also lead with a clear sense of purpose and vision. Courageous leaders know that their role is not just to lead but to uplift and protect those they serve. This protection doesn’t just mean physical safety; it’s about protecting the dreams, ambitions, and creative spirit of those around you.

Courageous leadership is about knowing when to stand firm and when to adapt, when to lead and when to let others step forward. It’s about having the vision of an eagle—soaring above, seeing the bigger picture—and the courage of a lion—protecting what matters most and leading the way with strength and confidence.

Courage Is Contagious

The beautiful thing about courage is that it’s contagious. When a leader demonstrates courage, it inspires others to do the same. Just as the pride looks to the lion for strength and guidance, teams look to their leaders for courage. When a leader is courageous, it gives others permission to be courageous too.

Courage creates a ripple effect. When you, as a leader, take bold steps and embrace creativity, your team will follow. They will take risks, bring forward new ideas, and push boundaries because they know that you will support them. This is the true power of courageous leadership—it empowers others to step into their own greatness.

Soar High, Stand Strong

As leaders, we must tap into this courage, not just for ourselves, but for those we lead. The highest human calling is to inspire and protect those around us, to lead with both vision and courage, and to ensure that our pride—our team, our community—feels empowered to soar to new heights.

Remember, leadership isn’t just about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge. And that takes courage.

So, I encourage you to step into your role with the strength of a lion and the vision of an eagle. Be bold. Be brave. And always remember, your courage is what will lead your pride to green pastures and protect them from the dangers ahead.

Let courage be your superpower. Let it guide you as you lead with heart, strength, and purpose.

“Soar high, and stand strong.” - Rae