Courage as a skill
From PLN
Courage as a skill
- Notes on the Harvard Business Review article "Courage as a skill," provided by Leslie Dillon (originally in Leader's Digest January 2007)
Courageous action is "a special kind of calculated risk taking" learned and refined over time. Good leaders are willing "to make bold moves," but they make those moves "through careful deliberation and preparation." Business courage is a skill acquired gradually through decision-making processes.
Taking an intelligent gamble requires an understanding of the “courage calculation”: six discrete decision-making processes that increase the likelihood of success:
- Setting primary and secondary goals
- Determining the importance of achieving those goals
- Tipping the balance of power in your favor
- Weighing risks against benefits
- Selecting the proper time for action
- Developing contingency plans
Desmond Tutu has said that good leaders have an "uncanny sense of timing." These questions can help you determine if the time is right:
- Why am I pursuing this now?
- Am I contemplating a considered action or an impulsive one?
- How long would it take to become better prepared? Is that too long?
- What are the pros and cons of waiting a day, two days, a week or more?
- What are the political obstacles? Can these be either removed or reduced in the near future?
- Can I take steps now that will create a foundation for a courageous move later?
- Am I emotionally and mentally prepared to take this risk?
- Do I have the expertise, communication skills, track record, and credibility to make this work?
(Kathleen K. Reardon, "Courage as a skill", Harvard Business Review, Jan. 2007.)
