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Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is rightly considered the foremost of the virtues, for upon it all others depend.” Leadership courage often means experiencing emotional or even physical discomfort. Is it the first of the leadership virtues? There have been many instances in history where a failure in leadership was the result of a failure in courage.

When people told Terry Anderson, the US journalist who was held hostage in Lebanon for seven years how courageous he had been, he modestly pointed out, “People are capable of doing an awful lot when they have no choice, and I had no choice. Courage is when you have choices.” Leaders are constantly faced by choices and the kind of courage they have to display is often moral and ethical. It is the mark of the leader who stands up for a principle when others would prefer

one minute wonder What one great thing could you achieve if you knew you could not fail? Describe the outcome to yourself. What is it that holds you back from achieving it? Are there too many obstacles? Time? Energy? Or a lack of courage?

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”

Nelson Mandela, South African political leader

to walk away. It is about acting out of integrity and being true to one’s principles. It is the courage of the person who, when they realize that something important is being lost, will take a stand and ask the questions that no one else dare ask.

This bravery, this sense of principle is inspiring to others. It makes its mark in people’s hearts. It is a stand for truth and what is believed to be right. Such behaviour sets out clear boundaries and inspires those who feel they are working in ambiguity. When, for whatever reason, a team loses heart then it takes a great leader to make them address their fear. To show that the doubts and fear in the team are the very things holding them back.

A leader who displays this moral courage honours those who also show the same behaviour. It is the beginning of an ethically motivated team. It leads on to ethically motivated departments and even whole organizations.

The moral courage needed to follow your principles and take difficult decisions will inspire your team.