The Man in the Mirror

A common requirement of leaders at all levels is having the courage to make tough decisions and take difficult actions.

We talk about courage in meetings, rate it in performance evals and listen for it in interviews. Most would agree it's an important element of successful leadership. Yet, becoming a courageous leader involves a lot more than talking, rating, and correctly answering interview questions.
The dictionary defines courage as "the state or quality of mind and spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution" But what does that mean in the real world and how can it be measured and quantified?

Perhaps the best way to understand courage is to define its opposite. Some would say "cowardliness"...avoiding pressure, difficulty, or danger. Others might say "fear"...being afraid to do the right thing when the going gets rough. Both are logical and appropriate, but there's another description that's equally valid, although not as commonly thought of- "conformity"...letting things be the way they have always been because of the high price associated with changing them.
As a leader, you need courage to do what needs to be done, to do what you know is the right thing. There will always be those who tell you you're wrong- even when you're thoroughly convinced you're right. There will always be those tempting you to take an easier and less resistant path. And there will always be those who, either purposefully or unintentionally, create obstacles that will challenge your resolve.

Courage is about having the guts, nerve, and heart to do the right things that foster progress. To become a courageous leader, you must have an undeniable, indisputable, unwavering commitment to be the best you can be. The true measure of your leadership is the ability to look in the mirror and know that you had the courage to do what you felt was the right thing to do.

For every person there comes a moment when he or she must have the courage to step forward and meet the needs of the time. Regardless of whether your moment is now or somtime in the future, you must be ready. The people you lead are counting on you.

Don't let them down.