In my experience, leadership is more about conviction than courage.
Don’t misunderstand. Leadership certainly requires courage. You’ll have to make hard decisions, have uncomfortable conversations, take risks, and sometimes stand alone when others disagree.
But I’ve found that when your conviction is strong enough, you’ll usually find the courage you need.
When you believe deeply in something – when you’re convinced it’s the right thing to do, the right direction to go, or the right decision for the people you’re leading – fear doesn’t necessarily disappear. It just loses some of its influence over you.
You may still be nervous. And you may still question yourself. You may even wish someone else could make the decision.
But your conviction as a leader keeps you moving forward.
Of course, conviction isn’t the same as stubbornness. Wise leaders listen, seek counsel, and remain willing to admit when they’re wrong.
But once you’ve done the hard work of determining what’s right, you can’t let the fear of what’s difficult keep you from doing it.
I’ve learned that courage isn’t always something you have before you lead. Sometimes it’s something you discover as you lead.
Leader, don’t spend all your energy trying to become more courageous. Make sure you’re deeply convinced of what matters most – of where you need to go and what you feel you need to do next.
The courage will often follow.
