“Even if you’re on the right track,
you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
Will Rogers
Initiative means to be ready and able to initiate action. An awareness of what needs to be done will make you a top leader. The difference between people with initiative and those without is the difference between being a leader and a follower. Taking initiative is rooted on sound, fact-based decisions with a complete understanding of the risks and rewards. Being able to see your goal and taking the initiative to get there defines a true leader.
“One man with courage makes a
majority.”
Andrew Jackson
Courage is a connection between your mind, body and spirit, which allows you to face any difficult situation, either dangerous or emotionally painful with firm determination. Courage is a physical and moral control of fear in your life that enables you to act in a difficult environment. It is a control of fear rather than an absence of fear. Courage is having the wherewithal to stand up for what you believe in, and to make difficult decisions. Good leaders base their decisions on the overall good for the team, even if they know they will meet resistance. Courage gives you the confidence to meet each challenge you face head-on with an understanding of the consequences. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I’ve lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along…’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” That…is courage.
“Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall opened onto you.”
Mathew 7:7
Determination and resolution are traits that will get you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are determined and resolved to achieve your leadership vision, you will have the courage to face any situation necessary to achieve that goal. Showing these traits to your team members encourages them to stay motivated, especially during difficult times. If you stay on course, they see a role model to emulate. If you waiver, they’ll be uncertain that you are the right role model. You will lose your credibility as a leader. The only time you need to alter your position is if a new set of facts becomes apparent, in which you can base your decision to change, otherwise, staying focused, resolute, and determined will help you to achieve that vision.
article
written by Jason Boreyko
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