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The
Courage to Lead
A
leader moves people to create that which does not yet exist. This
requires moving from the known into the unknown. This can be
frightening for leader and followers alike. As the pressure mounts,
the leader is increasingly tempted to surrender to the fears. A
critical trait of leadership is courage.
The
first step in developing the courage to lead is to become aware of
your fears. Self-knowledge precedes self-management. Only by knowing
your fears can you manage your response to them.
What
ultimately carries a leader through the inevitable pressures and fears
to be faced is an unshakable belief in what is being created. The
leader must be driven by a mission that is deeply rooted in the
leader’s values. To lead courageously, discern your purpose and
clarify and commit to your values.
Coping
with stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle also contribute to
successfully dealing with the pressures of leadership. To strengthen
your resolve, practice stress management and other processes that
contribute to your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The
goal in developing courage is not to eliminate fear. It is to learn to
act in spite of the fear.
© Mitchell
R. Alegre
©
Copyright 2003-2008. Mitchell R. Alegre. All rights reserved.
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