Courage to Lead

THE COURAGE TO LEAD

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

Leaders know that the best way to ensure success is to take chances. While the average man or woman fears stepping out into a new opportunity. Being overly cautious leads to failure because caution can lead to missed opportunities.

Tom Watson Sr, founder of IBM, understood this principle. A junior executive with the company once managed to lose over $10 million in a venture that was considered risky even by company insiders. When Watson found out about the disaster he called the young man into his office. Upon entering, the young man blurted out, “I guess you want my resignation?” Watson allegedly responded, “You can’t be serious. We’ve just spent $10 million educating you.”

You can’t lead without taking risk. You won’t take risk without courage. Courage is essential to leadership.

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Livingstone's Secret

David Livingstone once addressed a group of students at Glasgow University. When he rose to speak, he bore on his body the marks of his African struggles. Several illnesses on nearly 30 occasions had left him gaunt and haggard. His left arm, crushed by a lion, hung limp by his side. After describing his trials and tribulations he said, `Would you like to have me tell you what supported me through all the years of exile among people whose language I could not understand, and whose attitude toward me was always uncertain and often hostile?

 It was this, "Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." On these words he staked everything, and they never failed.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20, NLT)