The courage to lead a spaceship

Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill. 5 of the biggest leaders in history. They had a bold and clear vision, were unique, outspoken, respectful and had courage. According to the Forbes article, 10 Commandments of Courage to Lead in Uncomfortable Times: “courage comes in many forms. Only occasionally are acts of heroism on the battlefield. More often it is in the form of small decisions that few can see but which, when added together, produce significant results that many admire.” But how can you find your courage? And how do you apply it in your job? “Leadership” is a term and action that everyone comes in contact with, despite everyone interpreting it differently. In this blog, we will share our tips on leadership as well as insights from a leadership expert. 

From icons to inspiration, you need to embrace courageous leadership in your work

The Forbes article offers valuable insight that outlines ten essential tips for finding the courage to lead during uncomfortable times. These tips provide a roadmap for individuals who aspire to overcome challenges and emerge as strong, resilient leaders. By reviewing and internalizing these tips, you can maintain a clear understanding of the crucial aspects you should always keep in mind. Let's take a closer look at these tips, and what we took from them:

  1. Set a bold vision with a compelling purpose: Establish a clear and ambitious vision that inspires both yourself and others, ensuring everyone understands the underlying purpose and significance.

  2. Take responsibility: Accept accountability for your actions and decisions, recognizing that true leadership requires taking ownership of outcomes, whether they are positive or negative.

  3. Do what's right. Always: Make integrity and ethical behavior the foundation of your leadership, consistently choosing the right course of action even when it's difficult.

  4. Challenge your own narrative: Question and reevaluate the stories and beliefs you hold about yourself and the situation, allowing for personal growth and the possibility of new perspectives.

  5. Cultivate humility: Recognize that leadership is not about showcasing superiority but about serving others, and approach every interaction with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

  6. Speak courageously: Express your thoughts and opinions with boldness and authenticity, promoting open and honest communication within your team or organization. 

  7. Embrace your uniqueness: Celebrate and leverage your individuality, understanding that your differences can be a source of strength and innovation.

  8. Be decisive: Make timely and well-informed decisions, considering available information and seeking input from others when necessary, but ultimately taking responsibility for the choices made.

  9. Embrace vulnerability: Recognize that being vulnerable does not equate to weakness, but rather allows for genuine connection and trust-building with others.

  10. Surrender resistance: Let go of resistance and embrace change and uncertainty, understanding that growth and progress often arise from stepping outside your comfort zone. 

By integrating these tips into your leadership approach, you can navigate uncomfortable times with courage and resilience, inspiring those around you and achieving meaningful results.

Taking a step back

However, before you can apply these important and useful tips, it is much more important to take a step back. Look at the bigger picture before you start "leading", look at yourself first. Because if you don't know or recognize yourself and your lesser points, there is no point in applying these tips and becoming the leader that you have in mind. Ask yourself the following questions:

  1. I struggle when… 

  2. I learn best when… 

  3. I am happiest when…

  4. People describe me as…

  5. I want everyone to know that… 

Answering these questions will help you gain a clearer picture of your personal and work self. Additionally, you can see how your colleagues are likely to see you, or position you in the workplace. For example, people around you may describe you as direct. Check in with yourself—is it positive, or can I improve? Directness can be good, especially when quick choices need to be made, but is it just as effective when you're working with a more sensitive employee?

Leadership according to Dannie-Lu Carr

Someone who often herself uses these questions as a learning tool in one of her Courage to Lead training is Dannie-Lu Carr. Dannie, a leadership training consultant, executive coach, and founder of Flaming Leadership, is an expert on this subject. This space ally often provides various training sessions to the Laika Space Dogs. We asked Dannie to explain a little more about the purpose of leadership. 

Dannie-Lu Carr: “For me, leadership is the modelling of solution-focused, people-oriented and positively challenging behaviours both in life and in the workplace. Its purpose is to provoke thought, to actively engage, to build communication and cohesion and to work towards a less oppressive and more innovative world.” Besides that, Dannie told us that emphasizing the importance of constantly seeking that one action you can take to drive progress is important, no matter how seemingly insignificant it may appear. She urges you not to allow fear to hinder your growth, as it is merely an illusion. Remember that each of us possesses far greater capabilities and influence than we tend to realize.

Spaceship leadership  

Laika's leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in our core values and principles, which revolve around innovation, collaboration, and integrity. These values serve as the foundation for our leadership style and guide our actions. Central to our leadership approach is open communication and growth. We are committed to nurturing a culture that facilitates the free flow of ideas, feedback, and information among our team members. By fostering effective communication, we enhance our ability to understand diverse perspectives, tackle challenges, and develop innovative solutions. As for growth, we firmly believe that continuous personal and professional development is crucial for both individuals and the spaceship as a whole. We actively encourage our crew members to engage in ongoing learning opportunities, expand their skill sets, and refine their expertise.

Courageous leadership is indispensable for achieving success in the workplace. Icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, and Winston Churchill embody the virtues of fearlessness, unwavering vision, and bravery. Dannie's advice emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and the cultivation of positive behaviors as prerequisites for implementing the tips presented by Forbes for nurturing courage in leadership, especially in times of adversity. Such introspection facilitates a deeper comprehension of our strengths, weaknesses, and helps us embrace courageous leadership.