Embracing Courageous Leadership: A Guide to Living Your Values
When you hear the word “leader,” what comes to mind?
Take a moment to reflect on your definition of leadership. Your definition likely differs from others, and this diversity shapes our unique leadership styles and behaviors.
Everyone Has a Leadership Story
Our decisions and values define our leadership journey. Think back: when was the first time you recall being a leader? Every day, you show up in the spaces you inhabit, embodying leadership through courage—in your decisions, values, and actions…You Are Leading in Courage! Brene Brown aptly states, “Courage is contagious.”
Developing Your Leadership Story
Building your leadership narrative takes courage. Here are five questions to help you craft your leadership story, focusing on standing firm in your values, decisions, and actions:
- Who Are You Becoming? Becoming is a process. Consider who you need to be mentally, emotionally, and physically to achieve your goals. Zig Ziglar reminds us, “What you get by achieving your goal is not as important as who you become by achieving your goal.” Embrace the journey of becoming a leader who stands firm in their values.
- What Are Your Next-Level Habits? Leaders cultivate habits that drive success. Stay curious, embrace learning, and be resilient. Each habit you form contributes to your growth. James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits,” says, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” Develop habits that reinforce your values and decisions.
- When Have You Done This Before? Reflect on past achievements. What did it feel like to crush a goal? Recall that feeling when you face doubt. Your past successes are proof of your capabilities. Use your past achievements to build upon your next-level goals. You have crushed a goal before, and you can do it again. Stand firm in your history of success as you move forward.
- Where Is Your Accountability? Accountability is key to leadership. It builds trust, improves relationships, and reduces mistakes. Keep yourself accountable through self-reflection, clear outcomes, and a commitment to learning and adjusting. Standing firm in your values means being accountable to yourself and others.
- How Will You Show Up? Showing up is half the battle, but how you show up is the key to your success. As a courageous leader, create environments that foster growth and inclusion. Your decisions, conversations, and actions impact both you and those around you. Show up in a way that reflects your values and inspires others.
Show Up with Courage
Every decision, conversation, and action is an opportunity to show up with courage. Meet yourself where you are each day. Live by your values and inspire your community to do the same. Each day you show up, you are stepping into your leadership story.
Take this guide and let it inspire you to own your leadership story and superpower. Embrace your courage and make an impactful difference in your community.
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Kipp Colvin believes that each one of us can impact our communities by becoming confident, caring, and courageous leaders in our everyday lives. At the heart of Kipp’s work is empowering individuals to build relationships grounded in equity, intersectionality, and value-based leadership.