Dear Leader,

You often act without realizing that what you do is courageous. It is important for you to recognize your daily life as a leader as one lived with daring. It is similarly important for you to recognize, encourage and openly acknowledge the courageous acts performed by those around you in order to perpetuate a culture of risk-taking and appreciation.

We hear all too often of violations of ethics in business. But we don’t often think of business as a place of opportunity for individuals to exhibit valor every day. If you observe, you will notice all kinds of daily acts of courage occurring by you and around you. These may not be as dramatic as saving lives, but they are cumulative and observed and emulated by those who watch you. They contribute to the culture and atmosphere you build. Consider some of the following real-life courageous acts that you have performed recently:

• A willingness to publicly admit responsibility and vulnerability when something didn’t turn out as expected

• Telling it like it is – stating what everyone else is thinking when nobody else dares to say it

• Admitting that your personal leadership capabilities need improvement and asking for help

• Returning to your personal value or ethical system to make a potentially unpopular decision, even when the decision puts you at great personal and professional risk

• Accepting public criticism with great grace and class

• Remaining true to your vision despite the opposition

• Taking the step to engage in a “360” with all of the good and less-than-good feedback that can come from that

• Mentoring and developing others so that the future of your organization and community can be assured

• Passing up “power” by inviting and encouraging others to participate with you in creating a better future for your organization or community

• Treating others with respect, returning phone calls, and showing appreciation and gratitude even when you don’t “have” to

You won’t admit that any of these are courageous acts. In fact, you may see them as “just doing your job.” This humility is exactly what makes you a leader – those who hesitate to perform with courage drop out of leadership positions quickly. What symbolizes courageous leadership to you? Consider reframing your day by asking these questions:

• What have I done today to exhibit courageous leadership?

• What beliefs prevent me from being courageous in this situation?

• What adversity am I facing that requires courage?

• In what way can I set an example of courage?

• What acts of courage have those around me exhibited, and how will I acknowledge them?

The word “courage” is derived from the Latin word “cor”, meaning heart. Courage is about authenticity and acting from the heart – understanding yourself well enough to overcome fears in order to present your true self to your organization and community. Thank you for setting a courageous example for others and making the places we work and live in better for it.

All my best, Mary Jo

Mary Jo Asmus, president of Aspire Collaborative Services LLC, specializes in Leadership and Organizational Development by partnering with CEO's, executives, professionals, teams, and small business owners to support and facilitate achievement of goals toward business excellence. Mary Jo's global Fortune 500 background in business areas as diverse as human resources, research and development, organizational development, and business strategy allow her to provide valuable insights about leadership and organizational systems. Learn more about Mary Jo at http://www.aspire-cs.com or contact her at [email protected].

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