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Inspired by a Ranier Maria Rilke poem that asked “What kind of courage is required of us?,” I began thinking about the nature of courage and what it takes to be the best person you want to be, since it takes courage to face the mirror and ask, “Who Am I?”
In my work as an executive coach, I have learned that you must be courageous to truly become a leader who inspires others to follow and transforms those whose lives you impact.
When you take on the challenge of becoming the leader you want to be, and creating the life you want to live, it means changing the mindset and behaviors that no longer serve you, and may actually be harming the very relationships you wish to nurture.
By having the courage to live authentically, and declare ‘this is who I am’, you empower others to step up their game, and emulate you. It takes courage to live up to your full potential. When you refuse to dream big, or dismiss opportunities that cause discomfort, you limit your belief in yourself.
When you struggle with insecurity, lack of confidence, inability to express your ideas, and feel a general sense of inadequacy, you deny your full potential.We spend too much time worrying about the future, fueling anxiety which leads to an inability to confront the issues that hold us back. Waiting for a crisis in order to make change often leads to hopelessness rather than the courage to move forward.
Joseph Campbell said, “the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are,”
To know who you are, you have to ask yourself difficult questions. You must step away from self-doubt, lack of confidence, and embrace your true skills and talents. You must have the courage to look yourself in the mirror and remove the mask you wear.
Malcolm Forbes said all successful business operations come down to three essential elements. People, Product and Profit! Without people, you cannot make the other happen.
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Leadership is not something you do. We lead people by virtue of who we are!
In order to succeed, you must focus on ‘Who Are You?” and “Are You The Best Version You Can Be?”
To address these questions, you need the courage to step up, take inventory, and bring out your best self.
Ask yourself these six vital questions :
If you can’t answer these questions, hire a coach, immerse yourself in a process of self-reflection, and take stock of your skills and talents.
The courage that is asked of us as leaders is simple...Become the best version of you that you can be.
Have the courage to share your knowledge, your experience, and yourself with others, be bold in your desire for change, and learn how step out courageously to build a career and life that matters.