How often do you see real Business Courage? Do your leaders have Business Courage or are we too risk averse? Do your leaders need chapter and verse before making a decision and is vital time lost in making the right choices? Business Courage is one of the most important aspects of great leaders and to a business that flourishes. We have to demonstrate courage in so many aspects of business and we do not always have the luxury of facts to support our choices.

So what exactly is courage? It’s “The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger and pain without fear”. It’s the clarity of mind to have “The courage of ones convictions” to act in accordance with ones beliefs, especially in spite of criticism. It is never easy, especially when you are challenging authority or swimming against the tide alone, you can intimidate people with courage. Courage is a gift and should be applauded, but it should not be how you make all choices, and you should back your judgement at all times.

You will win respect from those around you who appreciate your knowledge and commitment but you will also lose those who have no courage. Once you have made your choice, you must drive it through to successful completion and not be persuaded to divert from your original decision. In measured proportions leaders are said to demonstrate bold but reasoned judgement, spirited but calculated risk taking with reflective consideration. Followers want leaders who are decisive but inclusive with rational and emotional intelligence and exude confidence with humility.

Aristotle called courage the “First Virtue” because it makes all the other virtues possible. In addition to being the most important human virtue, it is the most important business virtue as well. Other important business concepts are leadership, innovation, vision, values and behaviours but they all wither into insignificance without courage.

Nearly all courageous acts reflect one of the three main aspects of courage:-

* The courage of initiative and action – making first attempts, pursue pioneering efforts, stepping up to the plate.

* The courage of confidence in others – letting go of the need to control situations, having faith in people, open to direction and change.

* The courage of voice – raising difficult issues, providing tough feedback and sharing unpopular opinions.

The most important factor with courage is that the whole workforce wins when everyone shows up for work with courage. We take on harder work, deal with change and speak up more willingly, try more, are trusted more. Leaders should encourage courage in their people and watch the positive change in their workplace. The tenuous nature of the economy has created an environment of fear with organisational cultures without courage.

It is not easy to demonstrate courage, with awkward conversations it can be scary, but you must follow your instincts. Here are 10 traits of courageous leaders:-

* Confront head on – face the facts, remove the rose coloured glasses

* Seek feedback and listen – 360 degree feedback will breathe new life into your leadership

* Say what needs to be said – cut through the smoke and mirrors

* Encourage push back – encourage healthy debate

* Take action on performance issues – take swift action on employees helping themselves

* Communicate openly and frequently – do not hide behind jargon, talk straight

* Lead change – have an open mind to better solutions

* Make decisions and move forward – forward movement is better than being stuck in one place

* Give credit to others – give credit not praise

* Hold people to account including yourself – remember accountability begins with you

Courage is a gift, use it wisely. Courageous leaders are in high demand but in short supply.