Quality of courage

I am very much impressed with the simplicity of Zen philosophy

It is an amalgamation of Buddhism and Lao Tzu’s way of life. It is very effortless and contemporary without tangential weighty ornamental thoughts. A simple phrase like, “Leap and the net will appear”, triggered my thoughts on the concept of Quality of Courage.

Let’s reflect for a while. Do we have that nerve to take a leap without ensuring the comforts of the net? We all have many examples around us where ordinary unpretentious people could manage exceptionally difficult situations and finally emerged out as a winner. In all such stories, you will notice that the ‘net’ appeared because of the strong determination of people to get through the thorny situations. I admire how Paul Coelho summarized it, “Life always waits for some crisis to occur before revealing itself at its most brilliant.”

Why do many of us feel so vulnerable when we have to take a tough decision?
What is that most distinguishing characteristic of all the successful leaders?
Is it readiness to take the risk? Is it that blossoming risk-appetite which makes an individual stand out of the flocks?

How we define Quality of Courage in the context of leadership?

In organisation parlance, courage is ability to take tough decisions. Courage is the nourishment for the positioning of a leader. Courage is the least ingredient which differentiates a leader from the followers. While leading puts you in the lime-light, it also showers all the condemnation from the team and cynics. As a leader you are unaccompanied and abandoned at the apex. You cannot afford emotional crutches. Your emotional reactions will label you as an intolerant and feeble leader.

Also be prepared for failure. We all are bundle of personal fears. The yearning to play safe is intrinsic to all of us. Nevertheless, as a leader, first thing you necessitate to learn is to overpower your own fears and personal insecurities. All the victorious leaders have used fear as springboard to confront all adversities.  It is your courage which will pull you out at this juncture and stimulate you to venture out in unchartered waters. Whatever you decide or plan as your final course of action, you may go wrong and there will be critics to write you off. You have to own-up your mistakes and move on.

As a leader one has to take comprehensive ownership of his actions and the outcomes. He does not attribute failures to the environment or the other people in the system or the destiny. Courage is expression of continuous introspection and reassessment of alternatives. A team appreciates a leader who provides them sense of security during the crisis. Team needs to be also confident of leader’s ability to also promptly generate superior alternatives as contingency plans.

It is only conviction, self-confidence and internal harmony which shape a leader. At times, you come across certain situations which are very delicate and sensitive, where you have to take command at the cost of your preferences and emotions. It calls for tremendous maturity and judgment. You cannot protect your popularity all the time. You have to be equipped for fiercely detested pronouncements. I would never advocate for advertising your leadership. You are not in Politics. You may not have answers for all the problems you are facing. A wise leader takes well-balanced and informed decisions. Learn to listen first before leading. Your objectivity, predictably, and fairness can win over your most fervent disbelievers.

You can establish your credibility as a leader only by demonstrating quality of courage. People will respect and idealize you only when courage is in your character. Not only when you are geared up to face risks and obstacles but also when you stand for the truth. To quote Aristotle, “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is greatest quality of the mind next to honor”.