Leading with Courage

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” ~ Brené Brown

Leadership at any level is not for the faint of heart. Actions always speak louder than
words. Being a good leader requires courage—the strength to manage pressure, make
tough decisions, and lead through both good times and bad.

Leaders who take on the title must be willing to live under a microscope. They are
watched by their organization, their teams, and their customers. Every decision matters.
Every reaction sends a message.

Being a leader takes courage. Some leaders have it. Some grow into it. Others ignore it
altogether.

In 2001, CEO Jeffrey Skilling and Chairman Kenneth Lay became a textbook example
of corporate cowardice. As their company collapsed, they failed to take responsibility,
engaged in accounting fraud, and continued praising company performance to
employees and investors—all while quietly selling their own stock. They avoided reality,
dodged conflict with board members, employees, and customers, and refused to admit
wrongdoing until they were forced to do so.

As the organization unraveled, they told different people different stories and created a
long list of others to blame.

Wow. I doubt they ever intended to become the perfect “bad example” of corporate
leadership—but here we are, studying their life’s work as a cautionary tale.
Unfortunately, this story repeats itself far too often.

Denying. Lying. Avoiding. Willfully blind and mute. Every one of these behaviors tells the
same story: fear.

We can choose a different path.

We can choose to be courageous leaders—leaders who are real, approachable, and
willing to listen. Not just to praise, but to suggestions, concerns, and hard truths.

Courageous leaders drive change. They make tough decisions. They empower others.
They act with integrity, even when fear is present.

Courage is a choice.

Keep choosing courage,
Jeff