James Corbett, known as “Gentleman Jim,” defeated John L. Sullivan for the heavyweight boxing crown in 1892. Here is what he had to say about what it takes to be a champion:
“Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired that you wish your opponent would crack you one on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round – remembering that the man who always fights one more round is never whipped.”
Courage is a critical component when it comes to making business decisions. Courage enables leaders to embrace innovation and take calculated risks. Without the willingness to step into the unknown, businesses often stagnate.
Entering new markets or launching new products requires bold decisions. Courage enables these strategic moves despite uncertainties.
Courage allows you to face challenges and is essential when addressing complex problems. It involves making tough calls that may not always be popular but are necessary for the long-term health of the business. During crises, courageous leaders can make swift decisions to mitigate damage and steer the company back on track.
Courage is equally vital in leadership for several reasons. It takes courage to set a bold vision and inspire others to follow it. Leaders must be willing to chart a course that others may not initially see. Implementing change within an organization often meets resistance. Courageous leaders push through discomfort to achieve transformative results.
Courageous leaders uphold their values and ethics, even when it’s difficult. This builds trust and loyalty among employees and stakeholders. It takes courage to be transparent, especially during tough times. Honest communication fosters a culture of trust and accountability.
Courageous leaders also empower their teams by delegating responsibilities and trusting their judgment. This not only develops future leaders but also fosters a collaborative environment. Providing honest feedback and mentorship requires courage. It involves difficult conversations aimed at personal and professional growth.
President John F. Kennedy wrote eloquently about courage in his Pulitzer Prize winning book “Profiles of Courage.” Here is an excerpt: “Courage, the universal virtue, is comprehended by us all. For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived. The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment; but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy.”
To develop and demonstrate courage in your business, consider these practical steps:
Start small. Begin by taking small, calculated risks. This could be as simple as proposing a new idea in a meeting or volunteering for a challenging project.
Embrace failure. Understand that failure is a part of the journey. Learn from your mistakes and use them as steppingstones to success.
Seek feedback. Regularly ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors and even subordinates. Constructive criticism can help you grow and build confidence in your decisions. Regularly reflect on your decisions and actions. Understand your fears and work on overcoming them.
Educate yourself. Continuously learn and stay informed about your industry. The more knowledge you have, the more confident and courageous you will be in making decisions.
Set clear goals. Define your goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Having a clear roadmap can reduce fear and uncertainty.
Build a support network. Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals. A strong network can provide encouragement and advice when you need it most.
Practice decision-making. Make it a habit to make decisions quickly and confidently. Over time, this practice will enhance your ability to make courageous choices.
Stand by your values. Uphold your values and principles, even when it’s difficult. This builds trust and respect among your peers and subordinates.
Communicate transparently. Be open and honest in your communication. Transparency fosters a culture of trust and accountability.
Lead by example. Demonstrate courage through your actions. When your team sees you taking bold steps, they are more likely to follow suit.
Learn continuously: Equip yourself with knowledge and skills. The more informed you are, the more confident and courageous you will be in making decisions.
Mackay’s Moral: Courage is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
