Why courage from comic-book heroes fails...
Steven Hunt
Executive Advisor | Change Facilitator & Expert | Build a positive culture in your global company | Get people committed to your strategy and plans
Batman stood up to Joker, Superman stood up to Lex Luther, Asterix to the Roman army, and Wonder Woman to everyone. The core of the stories we tell our kids have personal courage deeply embedded in them.
And so we learn from an early age to link courage to brave, bold, and daring action.
At work, courage certainly holds these elements. Yet this simplistic childhood perspective is problematic. Here’s why.
Courage is taking action despite the fear
It takes courage to agree on and set a strategic direction, and even more to translate strategy into coherent follow through actions. In the privacy of the coaching room, many executives tell me about the second-thoughts, open questions, and conflicting ideas they have about big strategic decisions. A degree of uncertainty always exists. It comes with the territory.
I advise executives to see courage as facing your fears and walking towards them.
Say you’re charged with closing a production site in another country, which happens to be the major local source of employment. Rare is the executive who feels zero anxiety about the consequences for local employees, managers, and the wider set of stakeholders. But shut it down you must. Best to recognize your own fears and move towards them.
As my professor liked to say, “Walk towards your fears. They are never as strong as they appear.”
So what helps seasoned executives to step into courageous action on big decisions? What can spur those first few steps? Here are seven ways you might find novel:
领英推荐
There are many more. Sadly we don't have the benefit of Asterix’s magic potion. But the list is a great starting place to explore and build in the support to take the first few steps.
How do you step into courage? All thoughts/reflections welcome in the comments below.
Photo credit: Dev/Unsplash
Director at EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS - EDP COACHING
7 个月Steven Hunt, great points to reflect on. Many thanks ! In my Firewalking instruction, I learnt many ways to deal with fear. I liked how Fear was defined: F False E Evidence A Appering as R Real It is a "smoke courtain" that desapears once we go beyond. I think it is also important to understand what is behind to transform it in motivation or courage. The questions that could help are: What is fear protecting me from? What is its real message? Fear can be then seen as a "compass" that will tell us where to go. And if we continue feeling it, we just do it with fear!
Trusted Advisor | Triangular Leadership | Talent Retention
7 个月Thank you for this compelling and nuanced exploration of courage Steven Hunt! It's refreshing to see a perspective that goes beyond the traditional, heroic narratives we grew up with. In my experience, one of the most effective ways to step into courage is by fostering a strong support network. Having mentors and peers who provide honest feedback and encouragement can make a significant difference when facing tough decisions.
CEO, MVP Executive Development, Coach, Business Advisor, Leadership Expert, Speaker, Facilitator, Author of the National Bestseller "What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career"
7 个月I love the idea of “stepping into courage” Steven Hunt! Thank you for sharing!
Inc 5000 CEOs Leading the Future with Executive Abundance | Exec Coach: Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches | Top 16 Leadership Voice | 2x TEDx Speaker | Intl Bestseller 65 Books | x-Public Board Member
7 个月I like the focus on "courageous action" Steven Hunt. Thanks for sharing.
Entrepreneur | Author | Keynote Speaker | Peak Performance Coach | Mountaineer | 100 Coaches Dr. Marshall Goldsmith | Chapter President - EO MEPA Bridge
7 个月Great post Steven Hunt. I step into courage by focusing on feeling how it feels when I overcome my fear.