Courage often grows from the choices that we make and the actions that we take every day.
As we recalibrate and adapt to a new normal when human relationships are more important than ever in an asynchronous hybrid work environment, we need to rethink and unlearn old mindsets and methodologies in order to innovate and create value in our workspaces.
Courage is what calls us to action in tough times by tapping into our core values. And these challenging times often present to us the opportunities to distil our values and implement them through daily action.
Courageous leadership is not gifted to certain individuals by birth – because as the old saying goes, courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.
It’s a fundamental practice that differentiates the most effective leaders from the rest.
When we are willing to choose courage over comfort by speaking the truth, raise an important perspective or observation, even during disagreement from clients or peers, we will gradually push ourselves outside our comfort zones and with time, we will not only expand our courage, but also deepen our impact.
Leading with courage begins with vulnerability. We should always lean into hard conversations, be very clear about our core values and live them, practice empathy, consistently hold people accountable, always doing the right thing, constantly building trust and learning to rise after setbacks.
When we’re courageous, we reach out and speak up, even though we know we might fall. Choosing courage teaches us how to learn from our mistakes, push through the discomfort of failure and become a champion of trusting in yourself and accepting setbacks as springboards to new growth.
Leaning on Brene Brown’s principles, courage is a skill set that can be nurtured in the following key ways:
Let us rise to rebuild this world with more courageous cultures and leaders who will re-humanize work.
It’s time to lead courageously and get comfy being uncomfortable in this new world.
At Acuity, we choose courage over comfort in our ethos. Because ordinary ends here.