Franklin D Roosevelt has many quotes attributed to him which are about fear; fear doesn’t disappear as we grow, especially in leadership. If anything, responsibility amplifies it. Courage isn’t about feeling fearless; it’s about choosing what matters more than our discomfort. What are you avoiding?
Courage shows up in small, everyday leadership acts:
- Having the difficult conversation
- Making a decision without perfect information
- Starting something so your decision is visible and out of the thinking/planning zone
- Challenging a long‑standing norm
- Admitting a mistake openly
- Saying “I don’t know” when honesty serves better than certainty
Fear is natural. Courage is intentional. It’s the decision to prioritise purpose, integrity, people, and progress, even when fear is present.
Leadership isn’t defined by the absence of fear. It’s defined by what we choose to do despite it.
With that in mind, take time to think:
- When was the last time fear influenced a decision, you made and what mattered more in that moment?
- Which conversations, decisions, or actions have you been avoiding and why?
- How can you show your team that courage is a choice, not a personality trait?
- Where might fear be shielding you from growth rather than risk?
- How do you want people to describe your leadership when it comes to courage and conviction?
As leaders, we can show our people that we are role modelling the changes that all of us want to see. Let’s be better and be the change. Contact me via the link in the comments if you would like help to do so.
If you would like to read more articles encouraging you to think and be the change then visit https://jhcoaching.co.uk or email [email protected] if you would like to discuss.