Having watched King Charles’ address the US Congress earlier this week has led me to reflect on the nature of courage and its essentiality in leadership and life.
A quality of the heart, it is a quiet sort of power supply that carries us into the most difficult situations – places we probably wouldn’t choose to go but need to.
It enables us to be true to ourselves, to our values, and to extend compassion to others even when we are in opposition. Courage prompts us to speak the truth, what needs to be said, to power when needed. And to listen openly, with acceptance, when we have that power.
The King’s speech no doubt took courage given the strained relations between the UK and US and unpredictability of the audience. High stakes if a foot was put wrong.
When we think about courage in relation to our own leadership where does that quality sit? Show up? Where do we need to engage it/engage with it more?
Perhaps in the need to help others through anxiety-inducing rapid or uninvited change. Or persistence despite the way ahead being shrouded in uncertainty.
Or, confronting unacceptable behaviours in others when conflict usually makes us withdraw. Or, choosing to do the right thing, rather than easy option, to serve a greater good than simply profit.
Leadership is no easy gig. Drawing on our courage, consciously, helps us quietly progress.