BECOME A GARDENER OF COURAGE

By definition, demonstrating courage means that one has some fear in facing (or even thinking about) the action he or she is considering. Following the events of 9/11, we all saw evidence of great courage manifested in big ways, by the firefighters and other rescuers, for example, or by Mayor Guiliani as he rallied to his role as leader in the crisis. We also saw courage demonstrated in smaller, perhaps quieter ways, as was the case with citizens who set aside their grief to donate blood and comfort others. In all cases, large and visible or small and subtle, people found the courage to focus and act even in the face of fear, fatigue and uncertainty.

In an organization, fear can manifest itself in ways that create very dysfuncational environments, or hinder ongoing growth and stifle strengths. Limits can too easily become the rules we live by, or the cages we erect around ourselves. By concentrating on and nourishing the mindset that allows us to transcend fear, one can, time and again, create instances of courage, leading to accomplishments, successes and higher morale.

Courage has no switch that one can flip on or off at a whim. Cultivating courage is more of a discipline, or a moment-to-moment, day-by-day practice. In an enterprise, leaders and employees have to work together to create an environment where risk-taking becomes more a matter of "courage-having" that yields both an enjoyable journey and plentiful rewards. This shared responsibility for planting "courage seeds" and nurturing a healthy courage-garden serves to support and magnify the positive results of being courageous. Just think of it. Can't you feel a more positive momentum, a greater degree of dynamism than exists in the torpor of the status quo?

Creating this environment — your courage garden — takes thoughtful planning, a shared understanding of the rationale behind it and the intended goals, and time. However, it's something that everyone can do, alone or as a group. There are small steps one can take to begin growing this environment, which can start today:

• Prepare the soil for courage: World history and individual experience have shown that people who speak out or propose new ideas are often ridiculed in some way. Organizationally, this can create the impression that staying quiet is the best route to success. Unfortunately, no individual or organization can thrive in a state of perpetual stagnation. New ideas and continual learning are two sources of fuel for qualitative growth. To prevent stagnation, work with group members to define and establish a safe environment for sharing ideas and taking risks. Make agreements about upholding this environment. (Consider Dialogue, guided by a professional facilitator, to maximize the discussion and outcomes.)

• Cultivate courage: Courage starts with the individual, and stems from within. Courage requires that we take off the shrink-wrap and expand beyond our current capabilities or ways of doing things. That's why it can seem frightening. For this reason, the courageous choose from a menu of mindset-management and other practices to help them make deliberate, wise choices about which courageous acts they take. These practices also help them navigate through the waters of fear that might easily dissuade the less courageous.

• Recognize courage: When someone has clearly stepped outside the bounds of the norm and demonstrated courage, acknowledge that effort at a staff meeting, through a personal note, or other form of recognition. This feedback helps people know what behaviors to continue and helps to increase morale. And remember, recognizing small acts of courage isn't just "the boss's job." It's everyone's job.

• Demonstrate courage: A change starts with an individual, especially those who genuinely champion the effort. For your part, know what you're about, know your vision, and look for ways to be courageous in your organization, such as expressing potentially unpopular opinions and challenging the status quo. Your group members are watching, and will follow your lead.

Ivy Sea Online features an abundance of articles and tipsheets that help foster the skills and mindset that allow courage to grow and flourish. Surf around, or start with the recommended links featured below.

Missed the first two Strengths-Series tips? Access them here:

Organizational mastery tip #1: Unearth core-level strengths

Organizational mastery tip #2: Discover the "recipe" for your organization's strengths

Copyright 2002. Remember, this information is food-for-thought. The most effective approach is the one that's been tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. If you have questions, connect with someone who can provide a perspective you trust and value, or e-mail us at info@ivysea.com.

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