Strategies and Tactics for Women by Dr. Shannon Reece

Part Two of Four

Sometimes it’s really challenging to be courageous. When you can’t predict the outcome, it can be scary to put your neck on the line, be vulnerable, or take a leap of faith. In Part One of this series, I wrote about how TRUE leadership comes from a place of selflessness.

The second part of being a true leader is demonstrating courage.

“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” – Maya Angelou 

Courage enables you to share the best of who you are. As an entrepreneur, your goal should be to consistently set a fine example for those you serve, and that sometimes includes shining the light on your less than stellar moments.

We all stumble, scrape our knees and have to rise to take one more step forward. But the value of what you teach, and how you choose to lead others is enhanced by the lessons you’ve learned from the peaks and valleys of your journey. When you tap your courage and open your heart, those whose lives only you can transform, will be drawn to you like a moth to a flame.

By demonstrating courage and perseverance in the face of your greatest fear, you kindle the sparks of courage in others, motivating them to step out with steadfastness in pursuit of their purpose in life.

So the next time you hesitate to pull back the curtain on your imperfections, think about whether avoiding the discomfort of facing your fear, or swallowing your pride is more important to you than giving the gift of real leadership to someone who may be in serious need of a hero.