Courageous Leadership

Let’s face it—when the world feels chaotic, uncertain, and completely out of our control, it’s easy to freeze. Most of us, when faced with unpredictable or high-stakes situations, react in one of two ways: we either shut down or we try to escape. This tendency to ‘fight or flight’ (or freeze) is part of our hardwired survival response.

Leadership expert Ranjay Gulati puts it this way:

“Under volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) conditions, when possible outcomes are unknown, most people feel a loss of control, triggering fear, which often leads to paralysis (the so-called freeze response) or retreat (flight). Brave leaders, by contrast, are able to reclaim their agency and fight.”

That ability to choose courage over fear? It’s not something you either have or you don’t. According to Gulati in a recent Harvard Business Review article, bravery is a choice. He explains:

“I define courage as a willingness to take bold, risky action to serve a purpose that you perceive to be worthy, usually in the face of an abiding fear.”

So how do some of the world’s most courageous leaders—think Nelson Mandela, Volodymyr Zelensky, Steve Jobs—summon that bravery? Research points to five powerful habits. For now, let’s zoom in on three of them: shaping positive narratives, building confidence, and finding connection.

1. Tell a Strong Story

We all tell ourselves (and others) stories—about who we are, what we stand for, and why we do what we do. And those narratives matter. A lot. They shape how we lead, how we respond to adversity, and how we inspire others. Gulati emphasizes that tying our leadership story to a greater purpose can help calm fear and instill a sense of belonging and worth, both in ourselves and in those around us.

When we frame our work as meaningful and connected to a broader mission, we invite courage into the conversation.

2. Build Confidence Through Competence

Here’s the thing: courage doesn’t mean acting without fear—it means acting in spite of it. And the more confident you feel in your abilities, the easier it becomes to take that leap.

Gulati encourages leaders to cultivate a growth mindset. Study. Learn. Apply best practices. And when the problems ahead seem overwhelming? Break them down. Focus on what you can control.

That sense of control—however small—boosts your confidence and builds momentum.

3. Don’t Go It Alone

We often romanticize the “heroic” leader—the lone figure standing strong in the face of adversity. But in reality, courage is rarely a solo act. As Gulati puts it:

“Courage is a team sport.”

Whether it’s your team, mentors, close allies, or trusted friends, having strong relationships fuels your ability to act bravely. These people remind you of your strengths, your resilience, and the mission that matters. They reflect your courage back to you when you’re struggling to see it for yourself.

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So yes, the world right now might be a little (or a lot) VUCA. But that’s exactly when leadership matters most. Not the kind that charges ahead without fear—but the kind that acts despite it. The kind that chooses bravery over retreat.

“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” – T.S. Eliot

Let’s be the leaders who choose courage—and invite others to do the same.