Courage in leadership: more than a posture, a necessity

The word "courage" comes from the Latin cor, the heart. And that's what it's all about: having the heart to face discomfort, to stay the course despite pressure, to dare where others remain silent. In a constantly changing professional world, courage is no longer an option: it's a responsibility.

1. Saying what others don't

The courageous leader doesn't play the soft consensus card. He knows how to say what needs to be said, tactfully but straightforwardly. Difficult feedback, questioning an inefficient process, an unpopular decision... Verbal courage strengthens credibility and frees up the team's energy.

2. Decide when it's uncomfortable

Comfort is the enemy of progress. A true leader knows how to make decisions in the face of uncertainty, even without all the facts in hand. It's not the absence of doubt that counts, it's the ability to assume, adjust and move forward.

I think back to a striking situation I experienced as a manager: I had to recruit a consultant for a delicate mission - to quickly identify and recruit very specific technical profiles, for an industrial customer in full expansion. The pressure was high, the deadlines short and the human stakes high.

One candidate catches my eye, but his track record includes an inglorious exit from a previous position, linked to his sales results. The feedback I receive is mixed, cautious. Nothing blocking, but no real validation either.
However, as our discussions progress, I sense a potential. Something tells me he can succeed, in a structured environment and with a clear mission. I listen to this intuition, and decide to trust him.

A few months later, he had done a remarkable job, delivering concrete results to the customer in a climate of trust and performance.

This kind of decision doesn't follow conventional HR standards. It relies on intuition, human insight and the courage to take a gamble, alone. And that's often where leadership comes into play.

3. Hold the line in the storm

Faced with resistance, criticism or the fear of displeasing, it's tempting to let go. But leadership requires consistency. Holding firm to a demand, refusing shortcuts, protecting a long-term vision... This requires a strong anchoring, a stable inner posture.

4. Show your vulnerability

A leader who never doubts, who never apologizes, who "knows it all"... no longer inspires. Courage also means saying "I was wrong", "I don't know", or "I need your help". This kind of vulnerability opens up a space of psychological security and sincere commitment.

 In short: without courage, leadership becomes management.

And without courage, teams only move forward under duress, never out of conviction.

At BC Consulting, we help managers and executives to embody grounded, clear and demanding leadership - by reconnecting actions to values.

To talk about it: bardya@bardyacasemiconsulting.ch
Or direct: +41 78 735 44 94