The Courage To Lead

A leader moves people to create that which does not yet exist. This requires moving from the known into the unknown. This can be frightening for leader and followers alike. As the pressure mounts, the leader is increasingly tempted to surrender to the fears. A critical trait of leadership is courage.

The first step in developing the courage to lead is to become aware of your fears. Self-knowledge precedes self-management. Only by knowing your fears can you manage your response to them.

What ultimately carries a leader through the inevitable pressures and fears to be faced is an unshakable belief in what is being created. The leader must be driven by a mission that is deeply rooted in the leader’s values. To lead courageously, discern your purpose and clarify and commit to your values.

Coping with stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle also contribute to successfully dealing with the pressures of leadership. To strengthen your resolve, practice stress management and other processes that contribute to your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The goal in developing courage is not to eliminate fear; it is to learn to act in spite of the fear.