“As a leader, courage is not admirable when preparation could have prevented chaos.”
As a leader, it’s our job to prepare, train, play the “What if?” game, and be a few steps ahead even when we know we won’t have the answer for everything. This applies to every leadership position, not just ones at the top or ones on the front line. A big part of our job is to prepare a framework for those we lead to understand the values, beliefs, and the box they should operate in so they can be confident to make decisions at their level.
I see great leadership as heavy on strategy. That is, it’s not all tactical and you don’t always have pressure challenging an immediate decision. If you feel this way, you may be doing something wrong… STOP what you are doing and reach out to me immediately so we can figure it out! But, if you’re doing it right, you have time to think through most decisions as a leader. This is the time you build relationships, create systems for success, and forward think. A lot of trouble I see with new leaders is wanting to have the need to prove themselves and be the first to make a decision, without truly thinking it through when there is time.
The other piece of leadership, the one that a lot of people fear — in all actuality it takes the least time, but has the biggest impact. It is the time where being a confident and competent leader comes in to play. Where experience shows up. When you have to make bold and quick decisions with limited time in a volatile or shifting environment. This could be when you’re leading a SWAT team into a mission, or it could be when you’re speaking in front of a group and are asked a hard question on the spot. This is where people and circumstances challenge who you are, your expertise, and your intent with little time to react…
Everyone will feel challenged at a different level when it comes courage, the key is to face your fear and resistance head on. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
The best way to face your fears and resistance head on is to be prepared, know what you stand for, and have the intergrity to live out your values so when those challenging times arise, you are ready to rock ‘n’ roll. By preparing yourself and your team ahead of time, the need to take courageous split second decisions can be decreased dramatically, increasing the probability of success significantly.
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