Courage is not the absence of fear but proceeding in its presence. Courage is not necessarily acts of bravery against a life-threatening adversary. Courage can be defined as a situation where you are prompted to rise, step forward and risk something, to benefit yourself or others. You must be willing to go to the front of the line to demonstrate bravery. Therefore, Courage is not always about us. It is performed as a practice, a template, a role model to benefit others.
There are instances during a day or a season when you are being watched by your family, group, team, peers and community. How will you respond in difficult situations? When a fear generating dilemma appears, there is a courage stimulating response that is required. How will you respond? Will you be brave?
When an intimidating moment appears in the leadership gauntlet, it is a perfect opportunity to stand up, show courage and be on the front line and take the lead with your people. What does courage look like? It varies with the demand and the scale of the crisis. Courage could mean standing up for them when they are bullied by peers, strangers or management. It could be when unfair assaults on their skills, reputation and performance occurs during a meeting or performance review. Courage could occur during periods of uncertainty when patience and guidance are needed to help someone make it through a frightening predicament.
Courage could also manifest itself in the ability to show weakness, vulnerability, empathy and compassion. Courage provides the opportunity to let down your guard and connect with people. Look for opportunities to show people that you are on their side, that you can identify with them and fight with them. You can roll up your sleeves, join the fight and work with them.
Front-line Leadership
https://youtu.be/bhB6r02clVk
When in the clenches or against the ropes
Or in the trenches where it’s hard to cope;
When in the battle to succeed,
On the front line is where you lead.
To make decisions cowards fear to broach,
You’re on the field as player and coach;
To give followers what they need,
On the front line is where you lead.
You are the traction on a slippery slope.
Your plans and action are symbols of hope.
Momentum grows by word and deed,
On the front line is where you lead.
So, by example you show them the way.
You’ve rolled up your sleeves and joined in the fray.
For in the battle to succeed,
On the front line is where you lead.
Reprinted with permission from Teach the Children to Dance
Copyright © 2001 Orlando Ceaser
Personal Reflections
-
How have you taken the lead to show someone that you are on their side?
-
How can you demonstrate to someone that you have them back?
-
Describe a situation when you weren’t there when someone needed you?
-
Where do you need to show courage more consistently?
-
Describe a time when you went to bat for someone.
-
What situations are more difficult for you to show courage?
-
What is the worst thing that can happen in most situations?
-
Does the worst thing that can happen, consistently happen?
Leadership for the Soul 