Learning to be courageous

Here are some key starting points to get you pointed in the right direction.

1. Understand your own personal values and the values that influence you;

• What is important and not important to you? What is ‘right’ for you?
• Do you recognise different perspectives in different situations and from different audiences? If so, what are they? If not, why not?
• Can you articulate some of the common values of the important groups in your life e.g. your family, work group, organisation? What behaviour is supportive (and not supportive) of those values?

2. Communicate courageously;

• Communicate collegially
  • Approach others in a positive manner, seek to treat them ethically, be supportive and encouraging
• Listen actively with empathy
  • Understand what the other person is feeling in that person’s context
• Ask relevant open-ended questions
  • Understanding comes with two way communication
• Relate to others with respect
  • Focus on working with the other person to create a joint understanding, both of you being accountable for achieving that goal
• Share your values
  • So that others can understand your perspective and the basis of your decisions and behaviour
  • So that you can learn and develop your courageous behaviour through the feedback of others

3. Feedback courageously;

• When confronted with another’s behaviour you find unacceptable, state the behaviour the other person demonstrated and name your emotional reaction to it
• Give continual feedback, encouragement and support

4. Lead courageously;

• Set an example for others by behaving in a way that is based on what is right and not what is best for you in the immediate situation

5. Practice being courageous

• Being courageous is a competency, the more you practice the easier it becomes to do
• Start just outside your comfort zone, taking little steps
   

Good luck and send me your stories of courageousness in your workforce.