Stoic Virtue Series (2 of 4): How Does Courage Help You Lead in Business?
There are many aspects to being an effective leader, but few of them are as important as knowing how to use courage in business. Not the kind of courage that most of us associate with sudden acts of bravery, though. Rather, it’s the Stoic virtue of courage that can transform the way a leader guides their organization through both failure and success. It’s the kind of character quality that makes the difference between someone who merely manages, and someone who actually leads.
Understanding the Stoic definition of courage
Ask the average person to define “courage”, and you’ll probably get a fairly one-dimensional answer. It would probably focus on facing your fears, or describe a selfless act performed in a crucial moment. The Stoic definition of courage is much broader than this, though. According to Cicero, courage is “the virtue that champions the cause of right”. With this definition, things like standing up for your ideals become a display of courage. You don’t have to wait for a do-or-die moment to show courage; it can be done through everyday choices like opening yourself up to criticism or taking responsibility for a mistake.
A second important facet of Stoic courage is the effect that it has on emotions. Most people think that courage mainly influences fear, but Stoic courage also influences emotions like grief, anger, excessive desire, and excessive pleasure. Stoic philosophers identify these emotions as problematic and say that they can be put in check by exercising the virtue of courage.
Lastly, a courageous person will be indifferent toward external circumstances. For example, a business leader could display Stoic courage by defending their ideals, even at the risk of their career.
Clearly Stoic courage is different from the typical understanding of this virtue. The question is, how does it apply to being a business leader? As it turns out, using courage in business has many valuable applications, both for leaders and employees.
Characteristics of someone who leads with courage in business
According to Stoicism, courage is something that can be cultivated, not merely practiced when it’s called for. A courageous business leader will be easy to spot because of how they interact with those around them. Whether they’re sharing the credit when they could have stolen the spotlight, or they’re opening themselves up to criticism from team members, their courage will be evident from the following characteristics. This isn’t necessarily a complete list; rather, it’s meant to highlight some of the most important qualities that can stem from cultivating Stoic courage in business.
They prioritize accountability
It’s one thing to set clear expectations; it’s another to follow through if they aren’t met. However, accountability shouldn’t just apply to other people. It should also apply to the leaders since they’re supposed to reflect the standards that they expect from their team. Holding people (and yourself) accountable can be tough because it often involves confrontation. If you want to lead with courage, though, it’s a characteristic you’ll need to develop.
They aren’t afraid to give credit to others
In many workplaces, getting recognized for a job well done means more than just a pat on the back. It can make or break someone’s chances at promotion, for example. At the very least, it can bolster someone’s reputation within their company or industry. It’s likely that at some point, most leaders will face the decision to either share credit, or take it for themselves. Choosing the second option is easy to rationalize, but it takes courage to give credit where it’s due, even if it feels like a step backward for their reputation.
They make bold decisions
The last few years have brought unprecedented changes – ones that have brought fear to businesses in every industry. During times of rapid change, leaders can be tempted to stick with decisions that feel safe, instead of the ones that feel right. In order to move the organization forward, it’s often necessary to make bold decisions. This might be the riskier move, but it’s also a perfect example of how courage in business can move an organization forward.
Of course, you can’t just rely on courage in the decision-making process; Stoicism also has a lot to say about wisdom. How does wisdom help you lead in business? Just think about the scenario in which the business leader is making a potentially risky decision. Courage would help them pull the trigger, but wisdom would guide them to the best solution, not just the boldest one.
They spearhead change
In some cases, making changes in the workplace isn’t that hard. Maybe they came about through popular demand, or they were the result of groundbreaking innovation. But what about changes that go against the flow? They can be just as important, but they take real courage to implement. Some changes are as unpopular as they are necessary; others happen because the leader realized that a course-correction was needed. Just because a change will have a positive impact doesn’t mean it won’t take courage to make it happen.
They seek out feedback
If a business leader wants to learn how to stop avoiding and start leading, a good place to start is by inviting feedback. Not just from supervisors, and not just through formal reviews; the most effective feedback often comes from the people who are directly affected by the leader’s decisions. Unfiltered feedback can uncover blind spots, boost morale, and push your leadership style into a more productive direction.
How to use Stoic courage in business
What does it look like when someone uses courage to lead in business? It can manifest in many different ways, but a few factors will remain the same. Their actions will be marked by not only boldness, but also humility and self-awareness. Here are some examples of how that could play out in the real world.
Cultivate a safe environment for employees
In a fast-paced, competitive workplace, it’s all too common for employees to be expected to take risks for the company. This could be a way to identify top talent, or just an attempt to maximize productivity. While success will obviously be rewarded, failure often means consequences for the person responsible. Instead of leading by example, leaders use fear to motivate team members, and then deflect the blame when a calculated risk goes south.
When a leader is using courage in business, though, they’re the ones taking charge of the workplace environment. They don’t just ask employees to test new ideas, with the implied threat of consequences if they fail. They make it clear that they value innovation, and ensure that each failure is used as a learning opportunity for everyone involved.
Learn to let go
There are many reasons why it might be hard to delegate certain responsibilities. It could be that you really want to keep your position as the leader of a special project, or you feel like you’re simply the most qualified person for that task. There are definitely some scenarios in which delegation wouldn’t make sense, but there are many more in which ego prevents a leader from passing on some of their responsibilities. Letting employees take the lead in certain areas can make a leader feel vulnerable – and that’s where courage comes into the picture. This type of decision is often made based on who the leader wants to be in charge, which is usually themselves. If they’re acting with courage, though, they won’t cling to their authority. They’ll identify deserving team members, and delegate responsibilities to them as needed.
Challenge yourself and others
An effective leader doesn’t just cultivate courage in themselves; they do the same for their team as well. Firstly, employees should see the leader taking on even the toughest challenges with courage and integrity. Secondly, they should be given the opportunity to do the same thing. By giving the opportunity to overcome challenges, the leader establishes a higher standard of excellence, and then provides the tools to achieve it.
Live by your principles
A courageous leader knows they aren’t trying to win a popularity contest. They make considered decisions or take a stance on certain issues, and they defend their actions if they’re called into question. This doesn’t just take courage because it’s difficult to be the sole opposing voice in the room; sometimes speaking up can have serious consequences on a leader’s reputation or career. However, the Stoic concept of courage teaches that standing up for your principles is far more important than external circumstances. Fearlessly defending your core principles as a business leader may not make you the most popular person in the organization, but it will benefit the company in the long run as you tackle the tough issues that nobody else wants to deal with.
In conclusion
Leading with courage in business is about more than just making the right decisions, or treating employees a certain way. It should stem from a mindset that produces certain character qualities, which result in concrete actions – actions that have long-lasting benefits for you, your employees, and your company as a whole.