The Leader Mindset #6

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• Why Leadership Courage Will Define Your Future Suc …

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Why Leadership Courage Will Define Your Future Success as a Leader

For years, Emotional Intelligence and Empathy have been the most coveted leadership characteristics. But in today’s rapidly changing world, should courage now take the top spot?

Consider this: A coaching client of mine (call him “Steve”) faced a difficult choice. He knew the business was changing, and for months, he worked with stakeholders and his team to understand what needed to shift and gain their support for a new strategy. The business unit was on the verge of a significant transformation, necessitating layoffs and a complete shift in strategy. Many advised Steve to delay the decision, hoping external conditions would improve. But he knew that waiting would only make things worse.

Instead of waiting, Steve made the tough call to restructure and implement the new strategy immediately. He communicated openly with employees, provided support to those affected, and positioned the business unit for long-term success. It was not an easy decision, nor was it a popular one, but it was the right one. Twelve months later, the unit was thriving, and the team had rallied around the new direction.

Steve’s situation is not new or even unusual, but as we enter the Exponential Age, situations like Steve’s will become more necessary and commonplace. Artificial intelligence, automation, and other technological disruptions are accelerating business transformation at an unprecedented rate. Leaders must prepare to navigate uncertainty, make tough decisions about people, processes, and products, and stand firm in the face of resistance. This places a significant new burden on already taxed leaders.

Clearly, this new reality will reward those leaders who display courage.

What is Leadership Courage?

Leadership courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it. In organizations, this involves a leader's willingness to take both interpersonal and decision-making risks that may be difficult, unpopular, or potentially career-limiting but necessary for the greater good. It is not about being reckless. It is about leading with conviction, bravery, and resilience when the stakes are high.

There are four types of courage that leaders must possess.

Interpersonal Bravery

Engage in open, transparent, and difficult conversations. Sugarcoating reality or avoiding hard truths only delays progress. Authentic leadership demands the courage to confront issues directly, even when the conversation is uncomfortable.

Fearless Decision Making 

Make bold and decisive choices even when the path is unclear. Leaders who hesitate or wait for certainty risk stagnation. Courageous leaders analyze the available data, trust their instincts, and act decisively, knowing not every decision will be perfect. They must anticipate where the future is heading and position the team or business accordingly or risk being left behind.

Unshakeable Conviction 

Know your values and stand firmly by them in the face of pressure. In a world of shifting priorities and external pressures, leaders must have the inner strength to uphold their principles, even when doing so comes at a cost. This doesn't mean being inflexible or refusing to adapt when circumstances change.

Virtuous Character

Lead with honesty and integrity, especially when it is difficult. Shortcuts and compromises may offer temporary relief, but long-term success belongs to leaders who consistently align their actions with ethical standards that inspire trust. If the team does not trust the leader, they will struggle to believe in a future that feels uncertain and uncomfortable.

How to Start Developing Leadership Courage

Courage is like muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Here are five ways to begin developing your leadership courage.

1️⃣ Clarify Your Values

Determine what you truly believe in and what you are not willing to compromise on. Strong values act as a compass when making difficult decisions. Take time to reflect on how you would respond if faced with an ethical dilemma or an uncompromising situation. If you cannot articulate your values, consider taking a values assessment, such as Hogan’s Motives, Values, Preferences and Interests inventory (my recommendation). The more precisely you can define your values, the easier it is to stand firm when the pressure mounts.

2️⃣ Practice Interpersonal Conflict

Courageous leaders do not shy away from tough conversations. Begin by assessing your natural conflict style using an assessment like the Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. Invest in training such as Crucial Conversations to build your skills. Challenge yourself to engage in difficult discussions, whether it is giving direct feedback, sharing concerns with your boss, or addressing a disagreement. Reflect on your effectiveness and adjust for future situations.

3️⃣Seek Honest Feedback on Your Handling of a Challenging Situation

Ask your team if they can articulate your core principles. Get input on your decisiveness and how you handled a recent difficult situation. If people hesitate or struggle to define what you stand for, it may be a sign that you need to show more courage in uncomfortable situations. Feedback provides insight into where you can strengthen your leadership courage.

4️⃣Personally Reflect on Recent Difficult Decisions

Consider a challenging decision you recently made. Did you delay? Did you overanalyze? How did you feel during the process? Reflecting on past choices helps identify patterns and areas for improvement. If hesitation held you back, consider what information or mindset shifts could help you act with greater confidence in the future. What upcoming decisions concern you? Can you use these reflections to handle the next decision more effectively?

5️⃣Identify Your Triggers

Stressful situations often expose our deepest fears and insecurities. Pay attention to how you react under pressure. Do you avoid conflict? Do you second-guess your choices? Do you maintain the status quo? Identifying these patterns enables you to develop effective strategies for managing stress and making courageous decisions, even in high-stakes moments.

Why Courage is the Leadership Differentiator of the Future

As AI and automation handle more of the technical and routine decision-making, leadership will be defined by its ability to take risks, inspire confidence, and guide people through uncertainty. Employees, customers, and stakeholders will look to leaders who can make tough calls, take a stand, and do what is right. This is not going to be easy. Fear will be high, but courage must prevail. Ultimately, the best leaders will be able to strike a balance between bold action and leading with humanity and empathy.

💡 What do you think? Is courage more important than ever? Please share your thoughts.

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Often, we go into a coaching discussion unprepared, lacking clarity in our approach. The attached guide provides structure for preparing your thoughts for the meeting. If you would like a customizable version of the guide, send me an email - [email protected].

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