Courage Is Contagious
The Time Is Now To Spread The Message
A core principle we discuss in our Courageous Leadership Seminar is to “Inspire Others To Lead Courageously.”
When President Andrew Jackson said that “one man with courage makes a majority,” he knew that the strength wasn't in one man but how that one man (or woman) could inspire others to be courageous.
William Wilberforce did not end the slave trade in 1807. Against all odds, he created a movement of like minded leaders that made it happen.
It took many more courageous leaders than just John Wyclif in the late 14th century to translate the Bible in modern languages so all could read it. Many men, over generations, gave their life for the cause.
In 1943, Dodger Owner Branch Rickey stood alone when he went to the Dodgers Board of Directors and inspired them to support him in searching for the"the right man” to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. It took two years for another owner, Gus Greenlee, to join Rickey and form the United States League with the purpose of scouting black players.
By the time Jackie Robinson debuted with the Dodgers in 1947, Dodger Management had the courage but the players were far from it. It wasn't until Dodger Manager Leo Durocher told the team that he didn’t care “if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a fuckin' zebra. I'm the manager of this team, and I say he plays. What's more, I say he can make us all rich. And if any of you cannot use the money, I will see that you are all traded.”
And while the team followed Durocher, the fans were a different story. A few weeks later as Robinson was being abused by Reds Fans, it took Dodger Legend Pee Wee Reese to embrace Jackie on the field that not only silenced the crowd but sent a message to the world.
In 2005, as the monument commemorating that moment was unveiled outside the Brooklyn Cyclones' home field. Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, stated, "It's a historic symbol of a wonderful legacy of friendship, of teamwork, of courage -- of a lot of things we hope we will be able to pass on to young people. And we hope they will be motivated by it, be inspired by it and think about what it would be like to stand up, dare to challenge the status quo and find a friend there who will come over and support you."
Leadership or courage isn’t about you.
It’s about how you can inspire others to join you.
As Wilberforce found out, that inspiration can take years of commitment and hard work.
As Wyclif found out, it could take hundreds of years along with horrific persecution.
And 77 years after Jackie Robinson began a movement, there remains work to do in the area of Civil Rights.
What Does This Mean
Fortunately, when we discuss the core principle of “Inspire Others To Lead Courageously.,” you aren’t risking your life or battling kings. It won’t take you hundreds of years and not even the scorn of the majority.
It just takes the courage to start and to not only practice courageous leadership but create the conditions in which bravery and courage prevails.
Forget Your Reputation…Embrace Character.
Stop thinking about self…It’s about those around you.
Defend your employees and your organization when you are right.
Encourage and empower those around you to bring out their greatness.
Be vulnerable, open up, share and communicate…Be willing to fail.
Reward those willing to take risks rather than punishing when the outcome wasn’t ideal.
Don’t just talk leadership…display it.
Get up every day and know that courage isn’t automatic and it’s not always fun. Commit to not only be courageous but develop the courage in those around you.
Courage is only contagious if you will spread it.
The Time is Now
As we approach the 100th article here, I am thankful to you but I feel the urgency to do more and I want to encourage you to do the same. If you are reading this, you are doing more than most but I want you to consider what else can be done?
Spread this content to those around you
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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!
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.
It has always been a great learning experience to go through his writings. Keep it up sir.
If you don't already know and appreciate Dr. Travis Yates, I am honored to introduce him to you. I can't recommend him highly enough and this article is motivating and inspirational. The time is now to make that decision, whatever sector you work in, to risk it all courageously by doing the right thing.