Leadership Case

Leadership may be learned, however the skills and knowledge processed by the leader can be influenced by his or hers attributes or traits, such as courage and honesty. Knowledge and skills contribute directly to the process of leadership, while the other attributes give the leader certain characteristics that make him or her unique. Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger or pain without fear. (Dictionary.com) Courage in business leadership is expressed in many ways. It can be changing a vision and strategy. It can be maintaining an ethical stance in the face of personal risks. Courage can be a key factor in driving out the fear that is prevalent in many companies. It can be about holding to a strategic choice and transformation efforts in the face of severe questioning from industry analysts and others. (Wanted: Learders with Courage) Courage for a business leader can be confronting employees directly affected by your downsizing decisions and making yourself vulnerable to their criticisms and anger. Courage is caring enough about your values that you uphold these in the face of risks. Leadership is about change and it takes real courage, at times, to maintain your resolve when the real risks of change become blindingly apparent (Wanted: Learders with Courage)

As a leader there will be many times that you need courage to hold the mantle of leadership. Courage is a great trait to have in order to accomplish or face you worst fears. Also courage will enable you to do the right thing no matter who may be hurt by it. Courage is a must when facing competition and handling business challenges or any business failures you may encounter as a leader. Without courage it would be very difficult to become a great business leader. Winston Churchill once said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen". Courage is the trait that is paramount in all good leadership. You must first have the courage to lead, to expect success, to accept responsibility and to face challenge. (How to be confident) Leaders do not fear failure, they embrace it and learn from it in order to minimize its impact and the likelihood that it will occur again. Look fear in the eye and grin. Courage is the chariot that will carry all good leaders to victory. As a leader it is important to understand that if you want people to follow you, you must be courageous. The ultimate test of a leader's courage is the courage to be open and honest with their team and followers. A successful leader today must have a capacity to realistically assess him or herself and understand the personal values that truly matter in corporate behaviors. Self awareness and deeply held beliefs are essential elements of courage, the very essence of leadership. Courageous acts are taken by self aware people with fully meshed values. (Wanted: Learders with Courage) "Leadership - and courage in leadership - is knowing what's right and then acting on it". (Wanted: Learders with Courage)

People want to follow an honest leader. Honesty is the quality or fact of being honest; uprightness and fairness, the ability to be truthful, sincere and frank. (Dictionary.com) "Not only can a man be honest and grow rich, but it is almost impossible