2025 Is The Year For Courage

Regardless of your beliefs and whether you know it or not, God provided the ultimate tool for leadership in the Bible. While there are certainly some that may question that, I would challenge anyone to find a foundational leadership principle from their favorite book or influencer that is not in scripture.

David is just one prominent figure introduced in the Bible that should encourage each of us to lead each day. His journey from a shepherd boy to the king of Israel showcases essential qualities for effective leadership.

Courage

David’s fearless encounter with Goliath is a timeless example of courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Rooted in faith, this one act set the stage for David’s future leadership endeavors. While we know the success in that battle, I would suggest that even in defeat, the act of courage alone would have placed David at the top of the mountain when it comes to leadership. It’s the courage to do what is right that matters…not whether the world sees that as success.

Humility

Despite his rise to power, David never forgot his humble beginnings as a shepherd. He attributed his victories and successes to God’s guidance, showing that great leaders recognize the role of others in their achievements. We all stand on the shoulders of those before us and while legacy is about future leaders standing on ours, we should never forget how we got here and what it took from those around us to make that happen.

Empathy

When David’s adversary, King Saul, was vulnerable, David chose mercy over vengeance. This act of grace highlighted his ability to prioritize the greater good over personal gain. Every decision a leader makes must incorporate compassion and empathy as the first and foremost decision point. That doesn’t mean leaders shouldn’t hold others accountable but it means understanding the man (or woman) behind the decision and the difference between a mistake of the heart or an intentional act.

Resilience

David’s resilience is evident throughout his life. Despite personal failures and challenges, such as his moral lapses and family struggles, he always sought repentance and worked to restore his relationship with God and those around him. Leaders aren’t perfect but to be a leader, you must recognize that imperfection and strive to improve and make right what was once wrong.

A Resource For You

2025 is here and I want to encourage you with a resource I use every day. A Leader’s Heart by John Maxwell energizes me every day and it’s a commitment of just a few minutes. As an example, here is the entry from December 26th that inspired me to write about David.

The following list of eleven keys to excellence, aimed at helping us to develop our leadership skills today. Leaders must:

1. Value Excellence

2. Not settle for average

3. Pay attention to detail

4. Remain committed to what really matters

5. Display integrity and sound ethics

6. Show genuine respect for others

7. Go the second mile

8. Demonstrate consistency

9. Never stop improving

10. Always give 100%

11. Make excellence a lifestyle

2025 is the Year for Courageous Leadership

We are working on a variety of resources to help with your Courageous Journey and the best way to plug in to that is to plug your email in here and you can download our Principle Poster for your office or agency while you are there.

• Spread this content to those around you.

• Plug in to our Podcast wherever you listen to them at “Courageous Leadership with Travis Yates”

• If you haven’t read the book that started this movement, you can get it here. If you can’t afford it, I’ll send it to you.

• Encourage your agency or conference to host our training. It will throw gasoline on the match you have already lit.

• If you need anything, call me. My number is located at the top of the main website and you can reach me through any of the contact pages as well.

And always remember, Lead On & Stay Courageous!

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Dr. Travis Yates retired as a commander with a large municipal police department after 30 years of service. He is the author of “The Courageous Police Leader: A Survival Guide for Combating Cowards, Chaos & Lies.” His risk management and leadership seminars have been taught to thousands of professionals across the world. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy with a Doctorate Degree in Strategic Leadership and the CEO of the Courageous Police Leadership Alliance.