Leading with Courage - Article 2

During October 2024 I wrote on the multi-faceted aspect of courage. In this article I will dive deeply into seven key characteristics of courage characteristics of courage, these elements go beyond physical bravery encompassing emotional, moral and psychological dimensions:

• Bravery is an important characteristic of courage. Bravery is an important quality of your spirit that enables you to draw on your willingness to confront fear, discomfort, danger and adversity despite feeling afraid. Courage consists, not in blindly overlooking danger but seeing and conquering the danger - Jean Paul.
• Confidence consists of believing in yourself and your abilities, enabling you to be focused and act in given situations. A hefty dose of self-confidence is key to being your best self and achieving your goals and dreams. At work self-confidence can be your shield and sword, protecting you from doubt and empowering you to take decisive action that leads to success.
• Resilience refers to your capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and persist in the face of challenges. Life does not get easier or more forgiving, you get stronger and more resilient. The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived - ?Robert Jordan, The Fires of Heaven.
• Moral Integrity and accepting responsibility refer to your commitment to act accordingly to your values and principles regardless of the consequences or opinions of others. You are taking ownership for your actions and decisions, even when the outcomes are difficult or challenging.
• Generosity a readiness to consider the needs of others.
• Vulnerability Your ability to show your emotions and acknowledging the impact upon you.
• Determination a steadfastness in pursuing your goals even when faced with obstacles and setbacks

?I have held curiosity regarding the essence of bravery and how outstanding women have demonstrated bravery. For example:

Malala Yousafzai: A Beacon of Educational Rights

Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education, stands as a powerful symbol of bravery. At a young age, she spoke out against the Taliban's oppressive regime, which prohibited girls from attending school. In 2012, Malala was targeted and shot in an assassination attempt. Remarkably, she survived and continued her advocacy for education around the globe. Her courage to stand up for her beliefs, despite life-threatening danger, led her to become the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. Malala’s story exemplifies the bravery to confront injustice and fight for the rights of others.

Rosa Parks: Standing Against Segregation

Rosa Parks, the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," demonstrated extraordinary bravery when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. This act of defiance against the entrenched system of segregation sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a pivotal moment in America's civil rights movement. Parks' courage to resist societal norms and advocate for equality not only catalysed significant change in U.S. laws but also inspired countless others to stand up against racial injustice.

Wangari Maathai: Environmental Warrior

Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, showcased bravery in her relentless fight for environmental conservation and women's rights. In the face of government opposition in Kenya, she founded the Green Belt Movement, empowering women to plant trees and promote sustainable land use. Maathai faced arrests and harassment yet persevered in advocating for both environmental issues and social justice. Her legacy reminds us of the bravery it takes to pursue a cause that benefits both people and the planet.

Harriet Tubman: A Legacy of Freedom

Harriet Tubman, an African American abolitionist and political activist, displayed incredible bravery as she risked her life to lead enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped but returned multiple times to rescue family members and others, often under the threat of capture and death. Her unwavering commitment to freedom and justice has made her an enduring figure of courage, symbolising the relentless fight against oppression.

Bravery and Confidence are incredible bed fellows. I draw inspiration from the Power of Confidence from notable Women Prime Ministers.

Confidence is the cornerstone of effective leadership, empowering individuals to make impactful decisions and inspire others. Throughout history, several women have risen to the highest political offices in their countries, showcasing profound confidence in their abilities and visions. This article highlights the journeys of notable women prime ministers who have not only demonstrated exceptional confidence in their leadership but have also paved the way for future generations.

Mia Mottley: Mia Mottley became the first female Prime Minister of Barbados when she was elected in May 2018. A member of the Barbados Labour Party, she has been a prominent figure in Barbadian politics for many years, previously serving as the Minister of Education, Youth Affairs, and Culture, among other roles. Mottley's leadership has focused on issues such as sustainable development, social justice, and economic recovery.

Portia Simpson-Miller: Portia Simpson-Miller served as Prime Minister of Jamaica from March 2006 to September 2007 and again from January 2012 to February 2016. She was the first woman to hold this position in Jamaica. Simpson-Miller was a member of the People's National Party and focused on initiatives related to poverty reduction, education, and social issues during her tenure. Her leadership style and commitment to advocacy made her a significant figure in Jamaican politics

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: The First Female Leader in Africa

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf broke barriers by becoming Liberia’s first female president and Africa’s first elected female head of state in 2006. Her confidence was instrumental in leading her country from the ashes of civil war to a more stable and democratic society. Johnson Sirleaf's approach was characterized by her belief in diplomacy and development. Facing numerous challenges, including corruption and economic difficulties, her steadfast confidence in her vision for Liberia helped garner international support and rebuild national trust. She inspired countless women in Africa to embrace leadership roles and advocate for their rights.

Jacinda Ardern: Compassionate Leadership

Jacinda Ardern, who served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2017 to 2023, is acclaimed for her confidence in compassionate leadership. Her courageous handling of crises, including the Christchurch Mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic, was marked by transparency and empathy. Ardern’s confidence shone through when she communicated clearly and directly with the public, fostering trust and unity. Her ability to lead with both strength and kindness showcased a different powerful facet of confidence, demonstrating that effective leadership can combine firmness with empathy.

Angela Merkel: Steady Leadership in Europe

Angela Merkel served as Germany’s Chancellor from 2005 to 2021, becoming one of the most powerful and influential leaders in Europe. Merkel's scientific background instilled in her a data-driven approach to governance, which she combined with unshakeable confidence in her decision-making. During the European debt crisis and various international challenges, her calm demeanour and steadfast resolve provided stability to both her country and the European Union. Merkel's confidence in her policies, often in the face of criticism, established her as a formidable leader and a role model for women aspiring to take on leadership positions.

Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady

Margaret Thatcher served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Known for her steely resolve and unwavering determination, Thatcher earned the nickname "The Iron Lady." Her confidence was evident in her economic policies, which aimed to reduce the power of trade unions and emphasize free-market principles. Despite facing significant opposition, her firm stance led to notable changes in the British economy. Even amidst controversies, Thatcher’s confidence to implement her policies reshaped the political landscape and inspired many women to pursue leadership roles.

Conclusion

The acts of courage underpinned by bravery exhibited by the outstanding women to whom I refer serve as powerful reminders of the strength and resilience inherent in the fight for justice, equality, and change. Each of these women faced unique challenges and societal pressures, yet their courage to act boldly and challenge the status quo has left an indelible mark on history. Their legacies inspire new generations to embrace bravery, confront injustices, and pursue their passions relentlessly. In a world that still grapples with issues of inequality and injustice, these women's stories continue to inspire courage in all of us.

The journeys of the quoted women prime ministers illustrate that confidence is not just about self-assurance; it is about the ability to inspire others, make tough decisions, and remain resolute in the face of challenges. Their stories highlight how confidence can pave the way for transformative change, encouraging future generations to embrace leadership roles and strive for equity in politics. As we continue to witness the rise of women in power, their exemplary confidence serves as a guiding light, reminding us of the profound impact that strong, decisive, and confident leadership can have on society. May 2025 be an exemplary year of demonstrations of leading with courage.

Join Dame Neslyn on 25 January 2025 on a virtual workshop Leading with Courage:

https://beaconorganisationaldevelopment.com/workshops/

Venue:?Virtual by Zoom

Workshop Fee: ￡144.00 including tax

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