This is what "Courage to Act" looks like to me

To me, our organization's cultural belief that resonates with me most – the common undercurrent that drives all of the other cultural beliefs – is the Courage to Act.

Think about it: When you need to be Customer Focused, to have the patience to endure constructive feedback, and listen patiently tough demands: You need courage.

When you aspire to embrace Innovate Now – to push boundaries, learn from your mistakes, endure the criticisms, fight off the self-doubts, learn from our past attempts, and rise stronger than ever: You need courage.

When you aspire to Be Enterprising – to pursue opportunities and embrace new norms beyond your comfort zone: You need courage

When you need to Speak Up against a clear-cut non-compliance, when you feel your reputation or your goodwill is on the line: You need courage.

 

And finally, what about leadership? You will always be tested with moments that the organization needs the leader in you to step up.

Sometimes, you cannot escape from making difficult decisions, some of which will get you disliked and unpopular. Sometimes, others depend on you in moments you have no idea what you’re doing! Sometimes, inculcating psychological safety requires us to be vulnerable, endure difficult conversations, and regulate your emotions.

All of these require courage.

Is it easy? No! But it’s necessary. Is it scary? Absolutely – in fact, at times, it’s downright terrifying!

But as Nelson Mandela said,

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. 

The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

Mike Tyson’s Coach, Cus D’Amato had an interesting take on courage:

“What is the difference between a hero and a coward?

They both feel the same: Fear.

They both fear dying and getting hurt. The coward refuses to face up to what he's got to face.

The hero is more disciplined, and he fights those feelings off, and he does what he has to do.”

It’s in those moments of fear, our true character is tested: do we rise to the occasion and embrace the tough challenges, or do we cower away and give excuses?

As we embrace the uncertain future, the organization needs YOU and me – all of us – with the courage to step up. Let’s be the change that we want to see!