Courage Is The Ultimate Virtue
As A Leader, Will You Embrace It?
After two decades of law enforcement experience and more than one personal story of watching self proclaimed leaders bow down in times of crisis, I decided to begin using a phrase called “Courageous Leadership.”
A decade ago, there weren’t many referencing leadership in this fashion but today, the term has been repeated in articles, books, and a host of podcasts.
I’ve taught a seminar on the topic for a decade and wrote a book on it in 2019 but with the more popular interest the term has garnered, there is a risk that what was originally a call to action turns into a cool term without substance. With this in mind, I thought it made sense to remind everyone exactly what Courageous Leadership means.
What Is Leadership
I consider “leadership” the theory, thought or idea and “courage” the action behind it. Everyone has some understanding of what leadership is. Sure, 100 people will have 100 different definitions but they will all be correct in some way and I’m not in the business of trying to define a term with that kind of subjectivity.
But I will lean in to courage because without it, all the training, yellow bricks, and theory mean absolutely nothing.
“Without courage, all other virtues lose their meaning” - Sir Winston Churchill
What Is Courage
The official definition of courage is “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain.”
In regard to leadership within law enforcement, it is the willingness to lead, regardless of the risk to status, rank, or even employment.
You will do what is right…no matter what.
This is why I’m not packing stadiums across the country discussing this issue. It is not for the faint of heart but it is for those that want to leave a legacy of greatness.
It is for you!
Ultimate Virtue
Courage is the virtue where every other virtue is reinforced when tested.
You can say you are honest, compassionate, fair, and selfless but when the time comes to show it and you are risking your personal self or reputation, will you still do it?
If the chief tells you to lie or be fired, are you ready for that?
If you witness excessive force will you report it?
Will you let the media or mayor lie about your officer or agency and keep your mouth shut or will you go against their narrative and tell the truth?
I could continue for hours and I have seen both courage and cowardice in every example given above. Some with courage were destroyed and many with cowardice got promoted.
Which one will you be?
As Patrick Bet-David recently said, “You have to have courage if you want to do something special in your life. Courage is the common thread among all the great ones.”
Courage doesn’t come without risk but nothing great ever happened without those taking the risks…without courageous leaders.
If God gave you today, this is your chance. This is your time.
Join The Movement Today
If you are reading this, you are doing more than most but I want you to consider what else can be done?
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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.
Great job as always Dr. Travis Yates!
Guess I now know why I have served on multiple agencies. Several examples you listed I’ve gone through and it was not easy had to really fight that internal fight before taking the right action.