Courage, the ability to do something that frightens one, is a mindset that requires grit and determination.
As part of my planning process when I established my coaching and consulting business in November 1999, I identified Courage as one of my key values and this grit and determination, (another key value to PINNACLE) is still intrinsic to my day to day activities 17 years later.
Most organisations, taking a considered approach, small or large, have a list of core values that are displayed on the wall and show up in a variety of company marketing materials, from the business web site to T-Shirts or coffee mugs.
During induction or orientation, many organisations train their new employees about their values and how to live them. And yet, on any number of occasions, you can see leaders acting in direct opposition of what they claim to be their values. These are often the same companies where two weeks after new-employee induction, someone takes you to lunch and explains the ‘real values’ of the organisation. Or, if no one is looking out for you, you find out only after stepping on a cultural land mine.
What separates a good manager from an exceptional leader is explained in "The Courageous Leader". Often as a leader you are required to draw on your inner strength in the face of pain; to be willing to face any challenge rather than avoid it, such as:
• Making a difficult decision or change.
• Taking a stand.
• Having an emotionally-charged or courageous conversation.
• Giving and receiving feedback.
Accepting pain, author Angela Sebaly argues - as opposed to avoiding that touchy conversation, indefinitely postponing making that tough decision or change or simply shirking other uncomfortable situations - requires courage.
Values serve an important purpose for leaders.
They provide a strategic road map for the vitally important to seemingly mundane everyday decisions. Unfortunately, not enough leaders consistently live their values through daily actions, which has a huge negative impact on teams, organisations, and communities.
If you are a leader facing challenges like these and think you want and need support and encouragement to tackle the task/s head on, get in touch with us and let’s talk.
Reference: Angela Sebaly: ‘The Courageous Leader: How to Face Any Challenge and Lead Your Team to Success’
