“People who cease to grow can’t inspire others. Leadership begins with challenging oneself.”-Daisaku Ikeda
In my many years leading elite teams, I’ve learned that courage in leadership is profoundly misunderstood. It’s not about the absence of fear but the resolve to face it head-on. And courage isn’t just for the battlefield; it’s found and cultivated in quiet moments– owning up to the fact that we have screwed up (again), admitting that you are uncertain of the way out of a particular situation, or recognizing and apologizing and for saying something unnecessary and unkind. For me, this is where true bravery shines. Courage develops and evolves through practice. You do not inherit it. It must be regularly cultivated. Courage demands that you not be the lone ranger but that you seek counsel and include your team in finding solutions. When you are informed of the team’s interests and challenges, you are more likely to avoid reckless gambles. Embrace these truths, and you’ll uncover the heart of genuine leadership.