1. Three Strategies for Displaying Brave Leadership
Courage ain't something you're born with, no siree. Our brains are wired to keep us away from danger. But when it comes to leading with courage, it's not about the title you hold or the salary in your pocket. It's all about the choices you make and the efforts you put in. So, how do you become a fearless leader? Let me break it down for ya.
1. Spit it Out
Just because you've been briefed about a situation until you're blue in the face doesn't mean you're fully prepared. I mean, come on, nobody can predict the real thing. Take me, for example. I was a Marine, so I'd faced my fair share of combat situations. But when I flew into Kuwait in 1990, nothing could have prepared me for the thick, black smoke filling the sky, making it near impossible to see our targets.
I checked our bearings and realized we were way off course. I was the lowest man on the totem pole, so I questioned if it was my place to speak up. I mean, wasn't the lead chopper already aware of our predicament? But lives were on the line, so I spat it out. Turns out, they hadn't noticed our course correction needed. We made the adjustments, completed the mission, and saved the day.
Don't wait for a title or a promotion to develop the skills to make tough decisions. Even if you mess up, people will admire your gumption to put your two cents in.
2. Listen Up
When faced with criticism, many folks either shut down completely or become defensive. It takes genuine courage and mental fortitude to listen to your critics and analyze their words with a critical eye.
Ask yourself two questions:
- Does this person have knowledge of the problem and circumstances?
- Is it possible I'm wrong?
If the answer to the first question is no, then you can dismiss their opinion. But if the answer is yes, then listen up.
I learned this lesson the hard way while working in pharmaceutical sales after the military. More experienced reps questioned my presence, since I had no sales background. My initial reaction was to defend my Marine Corps expertise. One rep even laughed and asked me why I left the Corps if I loved it so much.
I had to learn to listen to constructive criticism and learn from my more experienced peers. After a year, I was at the top of the sales charts.
3. Trust Your Gut
Following the crowd might be tempting, but it ain't always the right move. It takes a lot of courage to go against the grain, especially when everyone else is doing the opposite.
When hiring for my first startup, I made the mistake of following the crowd. I hired based on pedigree, favoring folks with Ivy League credentials and Silicon Valley connections. The result? Some of those hires never meshed with our culture and left fast. Others demanded quick promotions we weren't ready to give.
It takes loads of courage and resilience to go against the grain. Take the time to do your due diligence, listen to your gut, and make the right calls.
One Final Lesson
At the end of the day, a courageous leader takes ownership and accountability. I spoke up in battle because I was responsible for my fellow Marines. I listened to my critics because I had to own up to my lack of sales experience. And I owned up to my hiring mistakes.
Take some time to reflect on these tips. Which one resonates with you the most? Which one do you think will be the most challenging for you?
4. Look Beyond the Uniform
The military may instill discipline, order, and a sense of camaraderie, but it's crucial to understand that not all leadership qualities translate directly from the military to the corporate world. The military rewards hierarchy, strictness, and following orders without question. However, businesses require adaptability, empathy, and the ability to think critically and creatively.
Know that a military title or salary does not automatically confer these qualities. Instead, seek out opportunities to learn and grow, both within your organization and through external resources.
I, for instance, was initially hard-pressed to adapt to the corporate world after leaving the Marines. The change in environment and the expectation of a different set of skills were difficult to grasp. However, I was determined to learn and, ultimately, I leveraged my military background to demonstrate leadership, discipline, and resilience in a business context.
In short, your courageous leadership may have begun in the military, but you must constantly prepare, learn, and evolve it to succeed in non-military settings.
