As an executive coach, I love synthesizing disparate data pieces to create reflection points for my clients. In one of my recent Thursday Thoughts videos on LinkedIn, I talk about why now is the right time for all of us to step into braver leadership.
The Courage Gap
My inspiration for this topic was two-fold. The first inspiration came from a recent episode of Coaching for Leaders with Dave Stachowiak. Margie Warrell, PhD, author of The Courage Gap, was a powerful guest on the podcast. The second inspiration came from the Gallup 2025 Global Leaders Report.
Two things spoke to me the most:
- Margie highlighted our tendency to discount the future and prioritize present-day security.
- The Gallup 2025 study on followership and what people need the most from their leaders. In short, it’s hope and trust.
What Got You Here Won’t Move You Forward
As employees move up in an organization, they transition from “follower” to “leader.” Leaders rise in the ranks based on what they’ve done. But then what? Unfortunately, many cap themselves out if they don’t develop their leadership skills beyond whatever got them ahead as an individual.
Leadership Development
Key skills leaders need to develop:
- How to lead and gain trust, creating followers
- How to inspire people
But how?
Step 1: Get to know yourself as a leader so you have people who want to follow you.
Step 2: Embrace the fact that it’s not just your competency that got you here that will make you successful; it’s your ability to grow and lead that will move you forward.
Trading Present Comfort for Future Success
As humans, we are uncomfortable with the potential reaction we will receive in the present time and often prioritize our comfort/perceived safety over the implications for the future.
This can look like not raising our hand or speaking up to say “I’m not on board for that,” or “We should think this through,” or “Let’s think about a different approach.”
Leaders struggle with this as well. However, the best leaders resist knee-jerk reactions and complacency. Instead, they look ahead to what an action, approach or decision may mean for their team or organization five months down the line, a year from now … five years from now. And they embrace the courage to ask the hard questions, take the difficult stand and/or discuss a different approach.
