Leadership is a courageous act, though perhaps not in the way you might be thinking. When we hear the words “leadership” and “courage” together, our minds often conjure up images of bravery—charging a hill in wartime, facing down angry shareholders after disappointing results, delivering news of layoffs at an all-hands meeting, or even entering a burning building to save a baby.
While these are undoubtedly acts of courage and deserve commendation, my focus here is on a different kind of bravery. I’m talking about the everyday, internal kind of courage required for authentic leadership.
True leadership requires courage—not in the grand, heroic sense often imagined—but in the ability to face inner challenges and express one’s authentic self. Leadership is not simply a set of competencies that a person manifests, nor is it merely a position or job title within an organization. While we can all agree that skills such as vision-setting, communication, delegation, inspiration, critical thinking, and decision-making are unquestionably important for executives and should be developed, they are not the true essence of leadership.
Furthermore, behaviors we often attribute to leadership—such as accountability, direction, and discipline—are necessary but are not the defining elements of leadership itself.
At its core, leadership is the authentic self-expression that inspires others to reach their highest potential. You might be asking, “But where’s the accountability, direction, discipline, etc.?” It’s all there, my friend. These foundational elements of leadership remain essential, but they spring naturally from the deeper quality of courageous self-expression.
The Courage of Authenticity
Now, back to courage. The act of authentic self-expression is one of the most rugged and courageous exercises a leader can undertake. It requires a deep level of introspection—critically turning inward to examine well-hidden patterns, convictions, and biases. This process isn’t just courageous; it can be uncomfortable, even painful. However, without this tough and often confronting internal work, managing yourself and leading others becomes an exercise in futility.
To be clear, I’m not suggesting a deep dive into every wound and scar that’s ever beset you. While such reflection may have its place, that’s a journey best undertaken with mental health professionals. What I am advocating for is a fundamental practice for all those who aspire to the highest levels of leadership: the courage to confront and express your true self.
Why This Matters
Leadership, at its core, is the ability to express one’s authentic self in a way that inspires others to perform better and reach their potential. When leaders hide behind masks—whether those are corporate personas or rigid expectations of what a leader should look like—they create barriers between themselves and their teams.
On the other hand, leaders who are authentic promote trust, loyalty, and a deeper sense of purpose in those around them. This authenticity is courageous because it requires leaders to admit that they, too, are fallible, evolving human beings.
Ultimately, leadership is not about mastering skills but about mastering oneself—having the courage to act authentically and, in doing so, inspiring others to rise with you. It’s in this deeply personal, often uncomfortable space where true leadership resides. The act of looking inward, understanding who you are, and expressing that truthfully is what defines a courageous leader.
