Courageous Leadership
When you hear the word courageous, what do you think about? When I think about courage, I think of my daughter who is a middle school “drama” teacher. Seriously, does anyone else find it incredibly ironic that we are teaching drama in the middle school? In my opinion, to become a middle school teacher, you have to be either courageous or crazy.
What does it mean to be courageous? Maybe, it is that we are afraid but we “do it” anyway? Courage is not necessarily the absence of fear but is our action in spite of the fear. A common thought is that we become more courageous when we choose to confront fear, perceived danger, uncertainty or intimidation.
What is a courageous leader? Does the culture within your organization allow or encourage the open exchange of ideas? In many places that is not the situation. Employees keep their heads down and mouths shut in hopes that they will make it to retirement eligibility. What are some traits of a courageous leader? Here are just a few of those characteristics:
1. Someone who confronts reality about the state of the organization. Before we can lead, we have to know where we are an where we want to be.
2. Someone who seeks and listens to feedback. Too many times have I seen people who do not listen to feedback because they have already made their decision.
3. Someone who says what needs to be said. In the current environment of political correctness, there are many people that are very quick to attack those that have the courage to speak the truth. We can say things in a diplomatic manner, without offending anyone, and still get our points across.
4. Someone who takes action on performance issues. This is hard. Too many times these issues are not addressed until the situation becomes "nuclear" and fallout is radioactive.
5. Someone who can say, "I don’t know." Communicate with straight talk and if you don’t know, say so.
6. Someone who does not seek the recognition but gives the credit to others.
7. Someone who holds people (and him/herslef) accountable.
8. Someone who has long-term vision. The quick, easy fix is probably just a band-aid and may not be the best solution. Since I grew up in a small town in eastern New Mexico, it’s like "fixin’ your truck with baling wire and duct tape." What is the best solution into the future?
9. Someone who is never hypocritical.
Are you a courageous leader? There have been many times that I have failed and I’m sure that I will fail in the future. This ties back to the legacy question we have been discussing: What are people going to say about you when you leave your district?
So, what does courage look like? I still say it looks like a mid-school teacher. Those folks are fearless.
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