It takes bold decisions to build great global companies. As Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “ The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.” It can only be gained through multiple experiences involving personal risk-taking. They don’t need external adulation, nor do they shrink from facing criticism.Ĭourage is neither an intellectual quality, nor can it be taught in the classroom. They don’t shirk bold actions because they fear failure. The dictionary definition of courage is “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear.” Courageous leaders lead with principles - their True North - that guide them when pressure mounts. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.

Their boldness inspires their teams, energizes customers, and positions their companies as leaders in societal change. They make decisions with the potential for revolutionary change in their markets. All of these dilemmas demand courage.Ĭourage is the quality that distinguishes great leaders from excellent managers.Ĭourageous leaders take risks that go against the grain of their organizations. We need to be a whistle-blower and expose some wrongdoing, or to distance ourselves from a popular project as it may harm the business, or stand up to the Board of Directors to request support for an unpopular project that you know needs to be done. Sometimes, we need to go beyond our own safe worlds and step out into the spotlight to do whatever needs to be done. Courage is a decision.” Sir Winston Churchill In business, we need to have courage too. Most of us would never dream or even be able to behave in this manner.

When we use the word, courage, it normally conjures up the image of a lone, brave individual making an action of incredible heroic, fearless, boldness.

Courage brave meaning