Do not accept a formal leadership position if you do not have the courage to be a leader and lead.
As a leader you need to have the courage to do what is right when it is not popular, easy, or expedient.
As a leader you need to have the courage to make tough decisions, often with incomplete information, and then have the courage to publicly own the decisions you made.
As a leader you need to have the courage to have difficult conversations with your people, your stakeholders, and your supervisors.
As a leader you need to have the courage to push back against untruths, misinformation and false narratives put forward by people pushing their own agenda.
As a leader you need to have the courage to hang a question mark on things that have long been taken for granted.
As a leader you need to have the courage to take the blame and the humility to give away the credit.
As a leader you need to have the courage to create a culture of candor and curiosity where it is safe, encouraged and expected that people will ask tough questions and challenge ideas.
As a leader you need to have the courage to stand up and own up when you screw up.
As a leader you need to have the courage to punch mediocrity in the mouth and embrace the pursuit of excellence.
To fill a leadership position does not require courage; to be a leader and lead does.
If you do not have the courage to lead, please do not accept the leadership position. Too much is at stake.
Remember that leadership is a choice and a journey, and it starts with you. Choose well, keep learning, and enjoy the journey.
Brian Willis
www.daretobegreatleadership.com
Register yourself, and your team for the Dare to Be Great: Strategies for Creating a Culture of Leading online workshop to get everyone on the same page regarding leadership and culture. If you are interested in hosting a live Dare to Be Great workshop reach out to me at info@daretobegreatleadership.ca.