One of the defining characteristics of successful leaders is courage. Hard conversations, difficult decisions, and moving forward in the face of uncertainty are constant companions. If you don’t have courage, you simply cannot effectively lead.
The video below of a mountain climber fending off an attacking black bear recently went viral. Watch this incredible scene and then I will have six lessons all leaders can learn about the subject of courage.
Mountain Climber Fights Off Bear (2022) pic.twitter.com/70DTpPsfSL
— Billcotterforcongress.com (@Billyhottakes) October 17, 2022
Courage Is Needed When You Least Expect It
You are either in the middle of a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or heading into one. This particular climber probably never expected to encounter a black bear on the side of a mountain but he was unknowingly heading into a crisis. As is so often the case for not only this climber but all of us, courage is often required at a moment’s notice.
Courage Is A Sign Something Matters A Great Deal
If the stakes aren’t high then courage is not required. If a decision or issue doesn’t have much impact or really doesn’t matter all that much, then you do not need courage. Courage is an indicator what you are dealing with matters a great deal. In the video above, the life of this climber was literally at stake. He could have been mauled by the bear or knocked off the side of the mountain, both probably resulting in certain death. Because the stakes were as high as it gets, life or death, courage was an absolute necessary.
Courage Requires Full Commitment From You
Just like you cannot be half-pregnant, you cannot be half-courageous. This climber put all his physical, mental, and vocal energy into fighting off the bear. It took everything he had. And when courage is required from you, it will take everything you have as well.
Preparation Activates Courage
You can’t plan when a crisis will happen but you can prepare for it. When encountering a bear in the wild, you are taught to scream loudly and make a lot of noise. Obviously, this climber was aware of those lessons. There are things in your industry which you know if they occur will cause a crisis. As a leader, it is your responsibility to prepare yourself and your team for those times. And when you do, courage will come a lot easier.
Courage Is A Continual Necessity
When I first saw the video, I thought when the climber pushed the bear past him and it fell to the rock below that would be the end of saga. But not so. The bear kept coming after him. We learned why at the :23 second mark. You can see the bear was protecting its baby cub. The lesson here for leaders is issues are rarely resolved after an initial engagement. You must have the courage to continually address the issue over and over again.
Courage Allows You To Continue In Your Leadership
What I found most interesting about the video was when the bear ceased its attack and finally moved on, the climber resumed his climb up the mountain. His courage allowed him to continue his climb. Your courage will allow you to continue in your leadership as well.
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