To some, demonstrating courage at work is a scene from an action movie. However, bravery can be as straightforward as overcoming fears, showing kindness to someone undeserving, or setting a positive example for others to follow.
So, what does demonstrating courage in the workplace signify?
According to Harvard Business School Professor Nancy Koehn, a courageous leader can improve and strengthen themselves when faced with high stakes and challenging circumstances. Koehn, who teaches an online leadership lesson featuring the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton, emphasizes that courageous leaders do not back down or feel intimidated; instead, they recognize that there exists a remarkable chance for personal growth and advancement amid every turmoil.
Here are five essential characteristics of courageous leaders that you should cultivate to unlock your potential and progress in your career:
1. Authenticity
According to research published in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal, employees' perception of authentic leadership is the most significant predictor of job satisfaction and can also result in various benefits, such as increased levels of trust, productivity, engagement, and innovation within an organization.
Becoming an authentic leader starts with prioritizing self-improvement, as emphasized by Koehn, which involves a commitment to personal growth rather than striving for perfection or instant transformation.
Engaging in leadership training is one effective way to achieve this goal. It provides opportunities to develop expertise, expand one's professional network, and continuously learn and grow.
2. Resilience
According to Koehn, resilience is the ability to withstand significant challenges and grow stronger through them. She emphasizes that resilience is not an inherent trait but a skill that leaders can develop through experience and practice.
Remember, the most difficult to defeat are not the most talented individuals but those who persistently work hard and bounce back after being knocked down.
3. Emotional Intelligence
According to TalentSmart research, 58% of overall job success can be attributed to emotional intelligence, with 75% of Fortune 500 companies utilizing emotional intelligence training tools.
Linda Allen-Hardisty, a Queen's IRC facilitator, ICF-master-certified executive coach, and organizational development professional, emphasizes that managing emotions is crucial for leaders because their actions can significantly impact the entire organization. Emotional intelligence is a vital leadership skill in today's landscape that defines successful leaders, often surpassing technical skills and IQ.
4. Self-Discipline
Besides cultivating self-awareness and a profound grasp of your emotions, practicing self-discipline and maintaining composure is essential, particularly during challenging situations.
In a world marked by continuous crises, like waves crashing on the shore, Koehn emphasizes the importance of being prepared to lead under pressure and maintaining composure rather than acting impulsively.
5. Commitment to Purpose
Purpose plays a crucial role in both individual and organizational success. According to a report by EY, 96% of leaders consider purpose essential for their job satisfaction. An independent study conducted by DDI revealed that having a clear purpose enhances long-term financial performance and strengthens organizational resilience.
To harness these benefits, leaders and companies need to prioritize becoming more purpose-driven and fostering a sense of mission aligned with the organization's goals. They should also empower their teams to actively engage in critical strategic initiatives by delegating tasks that contribute to advancing key projects.
By taking such actions, leaders can instill faith in their employees and motivate them to perform at their highest potential.
Society thirsts for this now. It is seeking leaders who can inspire confidence in creating a better world, believing it to be worthwhile and achievable.
