Courage is one of the most critical leadership traits, yet it is the one most often left to chance. We talk about strategy, structure and systems, but the moments that actually move an organisation forward are almost always moments of courage: a hard conversation held well, a decision made in the face of uncertainty, a leader choosing honesty over comfort.
Why courage is a skill, not a personality trait
One of the most freeing ideas in our work is that courage can be learned. It is not reserved for the naturally bold. It is a set of practices, built on self-awareness, trust and a willingness to be vulnerable, that any leader can develop.
The art and science of making decisions about people who are not like me.
That is the heart of what we mean by courageous, conscious leadership, and it is where the real work begins.