self criticized. He felt angry. “If they don’t like it, let them get up
on the platform!” he thought. “I didn’t ask to do this.” Like many
young leaders, his first taste of being misunderstood felt bitter.
Fortunately, he didn’t give in to his anger and fears. Over the
ensuing decades, he learned to face lots of criticism, recognizing
it “comes with the territory.”
Tom Peters wrote a book for leaders titled Thriving on Chaos.
Some of us wonder how anyone can thrive on chaos, but today
we’re often required to do just that. The problems and challenges
keep growing, and the acceleration of change at times turns our
decisions and plans into disaster. But courage means we count the
cost, make our best decisions, and lead on.
Recognize Fear as a Catalyst for Courage
The stream of leadership over a lifetime runs over small rocks
and large, meanders through a few sunny meadows, and often
plunges down steep gorges, through dark caves, and then into
tight little crevices. There’s plenty of occasion for fear.
But fear is an ally. Fear is a catalyst. Fear wakes us up to real-
ities. Fear helps equip us to lead.
Novelist I. A. R. Wylie says that in looking back at her life, she
found an unexpected insight: “I had enjoyed myself most when I
had been at my best, and I had been most often at my best when
I’d been badly scared.” She recalls that experiencing adventure or
danger ultimately empowered her. “I found that fear has aroused
in me unsuspected powers.”
Fear rouses unsuspected powers? In his book Out Front Lead-
ership, trainer Joe Reynolds agrees. He considers fear an indis-
pensable ally. “The sweat of fear has its
distinctive smell, and I know it well,” he
says. “But few actions cleanse and revi-
talize the spirit as well as facing the fear
of risk.” He explains that courage is “recognizing and coping with
fear positively and responsibly.” Then he quotes George Bernard
Shaw: “It is courage, courage, courage that raises the blood of life
to crimson splendor.”
Summoning CourageLife is a battle in which you
are to show your pluck.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU