Courage is a mindset that requires grit and determination.

Most organizations have a list of core values that are displayed on the wall and show up in a variety of company marketing materials, from coffee mugs to baseball caps.

During orientation, many organizations train their new hires about their values and how to live them.  And yet, on any number of occasions, you can see leaders acting in direct opposition of what they claim to be their values.  These are often the same companies where two weeks after new-hire orientation, someone takes you to lunch and explains the real values of the organization.  Or, if no one is looking out for you, you find out only after stepping on a cultural land mine.

What separates a good manager from an exceptional leader is explained in "The Courageous Leader," who is willing to face any challenge rather than avoid it.  Making a difficult decision or change.  Taking a stand.  Having an emotionally-charged conversation. Giving and receiving feedback.

Accepting pain, author Angela Sebaly argues -- as opposed to avoiding that touchy conversation, indefinitely postponing making that tough decision or change or simply shirking other uncomfortable situations -- requires courage.

Values serve an important purpose for leaders.  They provide a strategic road map for the vitally important to seemingly mundane everyday decisions.  Unfortunately, not enough leaders consistently live their values through daily actions, which has a huge negative impact on teams, organizations, and communities.

Source:   Angela Sebaly: The Courageous Leader: How to Face Any Challenge and Lead Your Team to Success

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