The courage to go first inspires those who follow.
The Wright brothers proved that powered flight was possible (1903). Later, Chuck Yeager became the 1st person to fly faster than the speed of sound (1947). Eventually, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon first (1969).
5 Ways to Practice Trailblazer Courage
#1. Sacrifice
In times of crisis, take a pay cut, work longer hours, jump in and do the “grunt work”. Eat last to inspire service. (Leaders Eat Last)
Benefit: Moral credibility adds weight to your words.
#2. Vulnerability
You have a team of fearful fakers when you wear a mask.
Lower your shield to build transparency on the team. Say, “I don’t know,” or “I made a mistake.” Courage to show your humanity builds psychological safety.
Benefit: Teams stop wasting energy hiding errors.
#3. Growth
Become the lead learner. Share your study habits. Become accountable to learn new skills. Challenge your own playbook. Let people see you become a novice.
Benefit: Growth becomes a shared journey.
#4. Feedback
Seek feedback frequently and openly. Don’t be needy. Be focused. Describe something you’re working to develop. Ask people to notice when you succeed and when you could be better.
Benefit: Improvement is everyone’s job.
#5. Options
Build a safe sandbox. Share a “half-baked” idea. Explore the mess. Demonstrate the process of thinking. Reject the need to be right every time.
Benefit: Perfection-paralysis goes the way of the Dodo bird.
Courage is contagious.
What act of courage is calling you today?
Added resource: Courage to Become a Leader
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Previously Published on leadershipfreak with Creative Commons License
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