What comes to mind when you think of courageous leadership? I’ve always been a military history buff (especially WW II history), so my mind typically goes there when I think about courage and leadership.
While most of us will never be called on to lead troops into battle, all of us can take steps to make ourselves better leaders. Whether it be at work, home or church, here are 5 simple acts of courageous leadership we can all do:
- Speak up – Don’t be afraid to speak the truth, even when there may be negative consequences. It’s pretty easy to speak up when you’re surrounded by people who agree with you, but what do you do if that’s not the case? Do you keep quiet and avoid the risk, or do you stand up for what you know to be true?
- Give critical feedback – Are you willing to give critical feedback to your boss, even if you know he/she won’t like it?
- Shut up – Just the opposite of #1. Be willing to shut up and hear others out, even when you’re convinced you’re right.
- Receive critical feedback – Again, the opposite of #2. I don’t know about you, but I know I don’t always have all the right answers. That’s why, as a leader, I try to surround myself with good people not afraid to speak their minds. What kind of leader would I be if I then turned around and didn’t listen when those same good people provide me with less than positive feedback?
- Be kind – How do you treat those who disagree with you? In today’s world people are way too quick to be hostile towards and cut down those they disagree with. If I see you as inferior in some way, then you can’t possibly be right and I don’t have to listen to anything you have to say. Unfortunately that other person won’t listen to anything you have to say either. Instead, be kind and maybe you’ll each learn a little something from the other.
Notice I said simple, not necessarily easy. Leadership really isn’t rocket science. Focus on the basics, do them well and then don’t be surprised when people follow.
What would you consider to be another act of courageous leadership?
