Moral Courage: Communicate What You Believe & Your Values

Moral courage is the epitome of courage! It is taking a firm stand for what you believe in, your integrity, and committing to your values. It's about speaking up, even when it's difficult, and advocating for what's right. It is probably the most important form of courage for your business and career.

We respect Moral Courage

We admire trailblazers and great innovators from history. The brave people who went against the grain, spoke up, and communicated their vision. They demonstrated moral courage by taking risks for the greater good.

Harvey Milk showed immense moral courage when he became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. He used his platform to fight for LGBTQ+ rights, the rights of others, and advocating for equality.

Moral Courage Makes Business Sense

The World Economic Forum State of Moral Leadership Survey Report shows that moral leadership is good for business. 79% of respondents believe organisations would make better business decisions if they followed a golden rule: treat others as you would have them treat you.

It's a key consideration for customers and employees too! People want to support and work for businesses that reflect their own values. In 2021, Harvard Business School Online reported:

??70% of Americans believe companies should make the world a better place.

??93% of employees believe businesses must lead with purpose.

Make Moral Courage a Habit

Speaking up and sharing what you believe can be a daunting and an uncomfortable experience. The fear of consequences and what others think can hold you back from career and business opportunities

You may find there was nothing to worry about and bravery helps overcome your fear!

Remember practise makes better. The more you employ moral courage as a habit, the more it becomes part of your businesses and professional DNA.

Tips for Businesses:

??Lead by Example: Show moral courage and stand up for what's right, it is respected by customers and employees.

??Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel safe to voice their opinions and concerns.

??Celebrate Acts of Moral Courage: Recognise employees who do the right thing!

Tips for Employees:

??Lead by Example: Demonstrate moral courage in your daily actions.

??Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values.

??Stay Informed: Continuously educate yourself about industry issues and share your opinion.

Amplifying Your Message of Moral Courage with Podcasting

In today's digital world capturing the right attention is tough. Podcasts are a powerful tool for connecting your brand and communicating directly with customers, businesses and peers.

Steven Bartlett's The Diary Of A CEO is one of the world's most popular podcasts where he sits down with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers.

My business partner Jan Santos hosts The Creative Talk podcast. He uses the analogy of "fireside chats" over "water cooler gossip" for genuine conversations in podcasts. Audiences want authenticity!

Jan says there are several ways to demonstrates moral courage as a podcast host or guest including:

?? Sharing your wisdom and storytelling

?? Discussing important issues and answering tough questions.

You can listen to The Creative Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook.

Moral Courage Helps You Become a Trusted Authority in Your Industry

Consistently standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, sets you apart as a reliable and principled leader.

This unwavering dedication to your values fosters a reputation of credibility and dependability, making you a go-to expert in your field.

There are times when it’s crucial. For example, as a patient I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition after telling a doctor how I was feeling and what was wrong.

Two Courage Champion Tips to becoming a voice in your industry:

??Talk about problems and how they can be solved

??Share your opinions and expertise

These points are already mentioned in the article. Remember, moral courage is a habit that earns the respect and trust of your peers, employees and clients!

Moral Courage For Entrepreneurs

Starting your own business is a key life decision for entrepreneurs, one that involves an ocean of moral courage. I asked Ken Krell who started PrideNomad for his thoughts.

He describes it as Dare to Leap: The Gutsy Heart of Entrepreneurship

Did you know starting your own business is a bit like being a superhero? Most new businesses fail within a few years, a fact that scares many away. But for true entrepreneurs, this is a call to jump in smarter and stronger!

Imagine standing at a cliff’s edge, your dream on the other side. Many leap without looking, relying on the hope that “if I build it, they will come”—that’s a myth. Not you. You’re going to be different.

Being prepared means learning everything about your business beforehand, planning ahead, and being ready to work smart. Fear is natural, but preparation turns it into determination and reduces the risk.

Remember, all successful leaders have faced failures. These aren’t just setbacks, but lessons on how to succeed next time.

So, are you ready to don your superhero cape, plan carefully, and leap towards your dream? True entrepreneurs don’t just act courageously—they see it as part of their essence. Starting or scaling your business takes moral courage, but that comes easily when you’re well-prepared!

Final Thought

Moral courage is not easy but the risks of not having it are considerable. The reward is an enhanced professional reputation and businesses building stronger, more loyal relationships with their employees and customers.

What steps will you take to demonstrate moral courage?

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