You’re going to take the world by storm. You’re talented and trustworthy, and you have a work ethic that’s second to none. These words probably aren’t coming as a surprise. You’ve already achieved a successful track record and have earned the trust and respect of your peers. Sure, you’ll be faced with obstacles, slammed by adversity, and may even doubt yourself along the way. But I’m confident that you have what it takes to be a success. You’re going to be a star. There’s just one thing I’d like you to keep top of mind: Courage.
It’s important for you to believe in yourself, stand up for the principles that you hold dear, and see the world for what it really is, not what you want it to be. Don’t be afraid to embrace change, confront uncertainty, and face the unknown. For these things are ways of life. Make sure to be bold, follow your heart, and dream BIG. As Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
10 Characteristics of a Courageous Leader
People with courage possess ten shared characteristics. They should remain as guideposts in your journey through life:
Self-confidence. Courageous people believe in themselves. They know who they are and what they stand for. They have strong values, recognize their personal capabilities, and are confident in meeting the challenges that lie before them. Courageous people are passionate and purposeful. You can sense courageous people when they walk into a room –– they have a bounce in their step, maintain a positive outlook, and are comfortable in their own skin.
Conviction. You always know where courageous people stand. They’re passionate about their beliefs and values and have consistent and predictable behavior. They don’t blindly follow the crowd, waffle in the face of adversity, or change their opinion unless the change is supported by a strong, factual case.
Integrity. Courageous people know the difference between right and wrong. They don’t just talk about honor; they live it every day by following the letter, as well as the spirit, of the law. They are trustworthy, objective, fair, and tolerant, and they stand up against injustice –– backing their words with action.
Leadership. Courageous people aren’t deterred by adversity or afraid of what people may think of them. Courageous leaders motivate people with personal charisma, expertise, integrity, and respect rather than by using their position or authority as a crutch. Courageous people are tough, but fair. While they may ask others to achieve the “impossible,” they ask of others only what they’re willing to do themselves.
Compassion. Courageous people put other people’s needs ahead of their own. They know that the Captain must go down with the ship and that being selfless helps to gain the respect of friends and colleagues.
Objectivity. Courageous people understand the importance of trust, honesty, and full disclosure while confronting people who hide behind untruths. They believe that people are willing to make tough decisions if the options are presented to them in an open, honest, and objective manner. They also believe that people should admit their mistakes, learn from them, and move on rather than waste precious time playing politics.
Adversity. Courageous people aren’t afraid of swimming against the tide or challenging the status quo. They stare adversity in the eye — running toward the problem rather than away from it. They know that saying “no” to one idea may enable them to say “yes” to another, and that old ways of doing things shouldn’t stand in the way of a better solution.
Change Masters. Courageous people step outside their comfort zone to meet the challenges that lie ahead. They know that change is part of life and that some of the greatest advances have been realized by embracing change.
Embrace the Unknown. Courageous people follow their intuition. If information required to make a good decision isn’t available, they follow their instincts.
Action. Courageous people put their money where their mouth is. They know that it’s not enough to talk about doing something –– instead, they act.
The Badge of Courage
Some folks are afraid to take the risk of sharing their opinions or sticking out their neck for fear of getting it “chopped off.” They think: “What if I’m wrong?” “What if it fails?” “What will others think of me?” So they spend their life playing it safe and trying to make themselves invisible.
These same folks are silent even though they have the best answer; they let opportunities slip through their fingertips even when they look promising; they see other people pass them by in the fast lane of life even though those people are less deserving. The truth is, they’re so afraid of failing that they don’t try at all — and consequently, they fail.
You have what it takes to be successful. So believe in yourself and your abilities or you’ll never know what you’re really capable of achieving. As Aristotle said, “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”
Don’t be afraid to put yourself on the line if you want the rewards that life has to offer. That means, like in baseball, it’s better to go down swinging than to be called out on strikes. Steve Jobs once said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
Now you have everything it takes to be a winner. So go for it! Remember — Courage: no guts, no glory.
Are You Courageous?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
Be Humble: Don’t Let Success Go to Your Head
Honesty: The Plain and Simple Truth
Hard Work Is Good For Your Soul
A Promise Is a Promise
Take Ownership By Taking Responsibility
Fair Is Fair
Living Life With a Purpose
The Power of a Positive Attitude
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Frank- I LOVE this post and thanks for reminding me of why I do what I do! This sentence struck the loudest chord- “Courageous people understand the importance of trust, honesty, and full disclosure while confronting people who hide behind untruths.” I wonder how many others agree.
Barbara Kimmel
www.trustacrossamerica.com
Hi Barbara
Thanks for your thoughts.
You DO serve a very important role. Trust Across America is raising awareness of the importance of trust in business –– Without trust, no company can ever hope for excellence.
I understand why that particular sentence resonated with you. I suspect most people would agree with the statement . . . the key is to live it.
Have an awesome day!
Best,
Frank
What a great read. Everyone should be able to judge their leadership based off of these characteristics. Then be able to see what characteristics they may be weak at and start working on making them strenghts.
Hi James
I agree. It would be a very interesting exercise if leaders used this list to benchmark their personal behavior. I’m a big believer in continuous improvement.
Best,
Frank
I love that you included that courageous people are compassionate. This seems to be an attribute many forget when discussing courage.
I also love that, in this era of social media, you remind us that it is not enough just to “talk” about doing something. You must ACT. If only all the talkers out there got out and acted…
Hi Rossana
Thanks for your thoughts.
It’s so easy for leaders to talk a good game. It’s more important to live it every day. People are more inclined to follow actions rather than words.
Have a super day!
Best,
Frank
Love this Frank. Very valuable advice on courage. I would just add that courage if often a responsibility rather than a luxury. Keep up the good work. Bret
You make a very important point Bret. Thanks so much for your thoughts.
Best,
Frank
The line “Don’t be afraid to put yourself on the line if you want the rewards that life has to offer”
Is such an important aspect of courage.
I appreciate your wisdom and your insight. And I applaud your courage for always speaking your heart!
Thanks for the courageous gutsy and yes glorious post.
Lolly
Lead From Within
Thanks so much for your encouragement and support. It means a lot to me Lolly.
Have an awesome evening!
Best,
Frank
Thanks for the excellent article…just what I needed to hear! I took notes for my post-it’s!
Trish DeFalco
My pleasure Trish. I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Best,
Frank
Hello Frank..,Thank you for the reminder, one has got to put their money where their mouth is. That takes courage.Will appreciate if you can give my blog a peep @ www.danieloliech.wordpress.com
Hi Daniel
Thanks for sharing your post. I’ll make sure to check it out later today.
Have a great day!
Best,
Frank
Dear Frank, Great article. I’ve been thinking it over and over again and came to the conclusion that “wise-courage” could only come with maturity of age when you learn not to be judmental and really understand what compassion means.
I thank you very much.
Hi Dalit
You make an interesting point –– courage develops with age.
I believe that courage and confidence are a product of strong beliefs and values. They are developed, in part, through life experience and positive role models who influence us.
Have an awesome day.
Best,
Frank
Frank; this is terrific stuff and reminded me of a plaque a good friend made for me years ago that read; “What I love about you is that you have more guts than brains.” On one hand, that could be taken as a slight but this reality was that this friend understood that one has to be smart enough to have a sense about risk and reward, but as you’ve put it so well, action and COURAGE (not to diminish the need for the other qualities you highlight) have to go along with it. Great post!
Hi Jim
You’re right on the mark. Some people have the right answer, but don’t say or do anything about it. They spend their time worrying about people’s reactions rather than putting their idea to the test. Some people have the talent to become so much in life –– If only they had the courage.
BTW, you have courage and brains 🙂
Have an awesome day!
Best,
Frank
Totally agree! The 10 pointers cover all the important qualities we must possess if we need to be successful and happier!
Thanks Anuradha. Have a wonderful day! Best, Frank
What I love about the article is that covers all the important qualities of true leadership.
one has to be smart enough to have a sense about risk and reward, but as you’ve put it right, action and COURAGE have to go along with
Frank,
Thank you for sharing this post with the Leadership Development Blog Carnival! You paint a very clear vision of a courageous leader that makes a difference! Thank you!
Hi Chery
Thanks so much for inviting me to participate in the carnival. Courage is a critical ingredient in character. I’m glad you like my contribution.
Have an awesome weekend!
Best,
Frank
Frank, thank you for a great post. I love your list of ten characteristics of people with courage.
I agree with nearly all of what you have written. I have a couple of thoughts that may simply be semantic differences in nature but I believe they are worthy of discussion.
First, you list self-confidence as your first characteristic. There may not be any order to your list but I mention it because it came first. My difference with you on this point is I believe that courageous people are those that are not always self-confident but step out in spite of that lack of confidence. I see courage as something that requires you to act in your discomfort.
Secondly, you state, “Don’t be afraid to put yourself on the line if you want the rewards that life has to offer.” My point here is similar to the first point. From my point of view I would have loved if you had stated, “Even in your fear courageously put yourself on the line if you want the rewards that life has to offer.”
Frank, I believe we are on the same page on courage but just look at it from different angles. This is not meant to be contentious, but, rather to engage conversation. I really do like your post!
Dave
Hi Dave
You bring up an important point. I purposely didn’t list the ten items in any particular order because I thought that call was too subjective. I also thought, if I presented “opinion” as fact it might detract from the credibility of the post. With regard to your second comment (rephrasing the sentence), you make a very valid point. I’m so glad that you took the time to read this closely.
Last, I appreciate everyone who takes the time to comment on my posts and strongly welcome debate.
Thanks for your thoughts Dave. Come back soon.
Best,
Frank
I realize that this is dated awhile back but I feel compelled to thank you for having the courage to take the time to start up our minds to thinking deep into the things that really do matter and if practiced and used they make a difference in our own world and the world that we affect by what we take the time to see as crucial . I thank you so much, as I get older and I’m accepting the reality of my days are numbered and I hope that with every moment I have that I may take each one as a gift and love the challenge of not only saying thank you for my life but showing my thankfulness for the gift of life and daily make it a practice to think and act on the things that build my character to the women that I know if tomorrow we’re my last, I would be proud of all that my footprints led and would continue to lead people to. Just to know that my purpose here was to make the difference I could make and that I accepted that challenge and completed it. So again thank you , people like you are so needed and appreciated for those of us just like me, searching along my journey.
Hi Michelle
Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad that you like this piece.
Yes, you’re right. This post was written several months ago. It’s important to remember that courage is a timeless principle and character will be as important a hundred years from now as it is today.
Michelle, you have a tremendous outlook. I wish there were more people like you in the world. As I like to say, “While it’s tough to change the world, you can change the world around you.” You are making a difference. For that I applaud you.
Have a wonderful day!
Best,
Frank
I’ve read a few other great blogs by Frank Sonnenberg and really enjoyed them. I think he his thoughts are written with the best of intentions, but when it comes to defining courage and what it takes to have true grit, it’s obvious Sonnenberg is yet to have a trail by fire experience on the matter. Take it from an expert who devoted his life studying moments when men find out who they truly are.
“I tell my kids, what is the difference between a hero and a coward? What is the difference between being yellow and being brave? No difference. Only what you do. They both feel the same. They both fear dying and getting hurt. The man who is yellow refuses to face up to what he’s got to face. The hero is more disciplined and he fights those feelings off and he does what he has to do. But they both feel the same, the hero and the coward. People who watch you judge you on what you do, not how you feel.”
– Cus D’Amato
Thanks for sharing Jacob.
Best,
Frank
Your blog offers such a clear checklist to do some deep reflection and self evaluation.
My mentor and my Principal Ashok Pandey is such a fine leader that 5 minutes with him are equal to a 5 hour training session in leadership.
Loved your article .Waiting for next.
Thanks for your kind words, Sunita. I appreciate it.
You’re very lucky to have Ashok as a mentor. A good mentor can enrich your life in countless ways. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Great article, Frank!
This is so true: “Some folks are afraid to take the risk of sharing their opinions!”
We should really comment more and share our opinion.
We need more COURAGE!
Best regards
Karin
Thanks Karin
You’re right. Opinions held in secret never make a difference.That being said, a true friend is one who respects a friend for who he or she is . . . not just if that friend shares the same viewpoints. Sometimes, however, it’s not that simple –– especially when one’s beliefs and values encroach on another’s freedom. Rather than striving to seek compromise, it seems that the new standard of discourse is “My way or the highway.” This shortsighted and ultimately destructive attitude is a “lose-lose” for everyone.
The fact is, we live in a world that’s getting smaller every day. We can’t expect others to abandon their values any more than we would forsake our own. It’s important to be tolerant of other people’s cultures and values, recognizing that no one has the right to force his or her way of life on anyone else.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Hi Frank,
very much like your wonderful words here:
“We can’t expect others to abandon their values any more than we would forsake our own. It’s important to be tolerant of other people’s cultures and values, recognizing that no one has the right to force his or her way of life on anyone else.”
YES, each of us has his own principles, values and imagination of life.
And when we are able to respect that, take consideration and don’t put “pressure” on others by our own wishes and needs, we are on the best way to wonderful and effective relationships.
Best regards
Karin
Hi Karin
I grew up in a world where this was expected. I sincerely hope that we return to days where people can live together in harmony.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank