I’ve been wrestling with something lately and as I sat listening to leadership expert John Maxwell speak last week at the International Maxwell Certification conference something he said really hit home.
“You have to move forward courageously amidst uncertainty”
I have a personality that I want to be in control and want to know all the details ahead of time. This prevents me from being as effective as I could be at times. Having a plan is critical, but at times I have to remember the plan does not have to be perfect and I can still learn and grow from minor mistakes. Courage is a critical aspect to leadership since a leader sees more before others see it. For example, Sir Edmund Hillary and Neal Armstrong have this courage in common. Both of these individuals accomplished something no one before them had by being the first person to see the world from a vantage point no one else had.
Allow me to draw on the wisdom of others in relation to this topic. The two individuals I mentioned above had courage to face extreme physical challenges, but they were not alone. They had a team of people around them. At times the courage we need comes from our mindset and a determination to pursue the vision even though everything and possibly everyone around us say it can’t be accomplished.
The late Martin Luther King Jr. said it well:
“Courage is an inner resolution to go forward in spite of obstacles and frightening situations.”
Resolve – In order for us to lead courageously whether that is having a difficult conversation at work or home, launching a new product, or starting a new business we must have resolve to pursue it no matter what. This inner resolve comes from a clear vision. Martin Luther King wanted to see people of color experience equality and he peacefully fought with courageous resolve.
Change – This word can bring a feeling of excitement and/or dread depending on if you are leading it or forced into it. Bill Hybels who has not only built a large church, but also develops leaders through his association sees courage to change as a key element in sustaining your leadership ability. When leading we cannot stay the same or we will become irrelevant. This takes inner courage because often we are required to let go of something important to us in order to receive something greater. The product that has run its course and now needs to be improved or eliminated even though you created it or giving your children room to grow instead of holding them so tight. Whether big or small, change requires courage.
Contagious – The late Billy Graham said “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” This is a man who entered into the Soviet Union during a time where he was not freely welcome and his courageous leadership led to the transformation of many lives. Think of the war heroes who forge ahead in battle with bullets flying. The courageous leadership of the man leading the charge contagiously encourages those who follow.
What are you facing that you need courage to move into the unknown? Do you need inner resolve to continue pursuing the vision? Is there a change you need to make that requires a courageous step into the unknown? Maybe you know you need to lead an initiative that will inspire your team to lead more courageously. Whatever the vision before you I am certain there are unknowns requiring you to step out courageously. Who can come with you on the journey because just like Armstrong and Hillary had someone with them, you will need a partner to encourage you? Keep leading well at work and home with great courage.
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