Lead Courageously

The third pillar to success, Lead Courageously.

Merriam Webster defines "lead" as to guide someone or something along a way, to direct on a course or in a direction, to go through, to suggest to, to bring to some conclusion or condition, to tend to or have a result.

Merriam Webster defines "courage" as mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.  The ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous.

Using those definitions, we can assume that to lead courageously is to guide, direct, suggest or bring someone along even though it may be difficult, dangerous or fearful.

To lead courageously is to lead by example while always doing the right thing. This is despite how hard or uncomfortable it might be even though you may fear that which you must do.

So what does the above look like?  In reality, it takes many forms, but regardless of your role in life or work you must know and understand that someone is always watching you, seeing how you react under pressure, watching how you react when you're uncomfortable, or doing something outside of the norm.  It is at this moment that you will show your true character, who you really are.  

At work, I have a young Manager who reports to me who I've seen grow a tremendous amount over the past three years.  He has one character that I truly admire; he is courageous.  I've asked him to do things outside his comfort zone, stretched him to do things he's never done, and each time I see him prepare thoroughly, and then stand up and do the right thing.  It's not always perfect, but each time he gets better and better.  And each time I see his people and others in our business take notice and change their behaviors for the better as well.  He is leading courageously.

Recently, my 75-year-old father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.  The doctor has been clear, this cancer will kill him, it's just a matter of when.  My father could have quit, he could have sunken into a pit of despair, or become angry and said this was unfair.  But instead, what he did was become even more emboldened to be positive, to treat others kind, to fight, to control that which he can control, and not get upset about what he can't.  

The doctors have noticed, the nurses have noticed, his friends and family have noticed, and I have noticed.  He says he has so many people rooting for him, praying for him, and encouraging him that he has an obligation to remain positive and to fight for them...selfless.  I'm nearly 50 years old, and I'm still learning from this old man.  He still leads courageously.

Tomorrow, I'll share the final pillar, Value Everyone.