Courage may be defined as the ability to do something that may be perceived as difficult, challenging or dangerous. Many people are faced with making decisions every day that require them to overcome the difficulties, challenges and risks. When someone is willing to make the best decision in the face of these obstacles, they are demonstrating courage.
People who recognize the value of being courageous are more likely to achieve bigger results. They have developed a sense of boldness that allows them to face down the things that may be in the way and move past them. They are moving forward despite the obstacles.
When people are courageous they build stronger relationships with others based on trust, respect and loyalty. Leaders are charged with getting work done with others and a critical component of this strategy is developing solid partnerships with others. People are morel likely to work well with a leader when they have an intellectual and emotional investment in that leader’s style.
Leaders who demonstrate courage may create a culture on their team that is focused on creativity, innovation and risk taking. When people work with a courteous leader, they can expect them to be adventurous when taking on new ideas and implementing them. Courageous leaders are willing to disrupt the status quo to enhance the performance and results on their team.
Courageous leaders are brave enough to think that they can change things in their workplace and make a difference in the results that are achieved. Proficient leaders have developed the traits to assess the risks and make an informed and timely decisions.
Courageous leaders may fit well in organizations that are starting up or being turned around. They are willing to look at new ways of doing things that may have a positive impact on the performance and results. When a courageous leaders is empowered to make the changes needed to turn around an organization, they are more likely to get it done on time and within budget. Courageous leaders build new organizations quicker and more effectively because they move past the obstacles that others would let hinder them.
It is important to point out the courageous leaders are not empowered beyond what is considered reasonable for their role. It is within the authority limits that they can be successful in their roles. Disastrous situations can be avoided when the appropriate expectations and parameters are given to the leader in advance of them starting a job, work assignment or project.
Leaders will have varying degrees of courage based on the life experiences that brought them to their current role. Some will be bold, brave and adventurous while others will be less inclined to take on risky decisions. In either case, the leader can develop more courage in their leadership style with focus, attention and practice.
Leaders can develop more courage by taking calculated risks and achieving the required results. Each time they are met with a difficult situation or challenge, they are being given the opportunity to be more courageous. Like any other trait, skill or competency; the willingness to develop it will be rewarded by a greater grasp of it. It will be one more part of the leadership style that will promote higher performance results.
Courage is an essential trait for leaders because it allows others to experience their strength, conviction and emotions. All of these combined will support more engagement and support from their team. Courageous leaders are well respected and admired.
Courage and Fear can and may co-exist in an effort to support the growth and development of leaders. When the balance between these two emotions is in alignment with the individual’s core values and principles, it is very likely they will model taking action despite the obstacles and challenges. The reward is always in the exhilaration of achieving something thought to be impossible. Everything is possible with the Courage to charge forward despite the Fear.