What distinguishes great leadership from so-so lemmingship? I’m sure the answer will involve a long list, but one of the criteria must certainly be courage. This is certainly true for leaders undertaking large-scale transformational efforts; conquering the fear of failure is the most important first step for success. Some of my own personal reflections on courage: Courage calls for leaders to embrace the possibility of failure. “There is no breakthrough without breakdown”. Courage requires a leader to unlearn what they have learnt. New challenges often call for new ways and new solutions.  Courage is about leaders being pragmatic in solving problems. Don’t be afraid to invent and try out new things. “Tiada rotan, akar berguna juga”. Courage often comes to those who have scaled the peaks and seen the view from the mountaintop. So don’t be afraid to try new things. Each new success gives you the confidence to tackle the next big(ger) mountain up ahead. “Kecik kecik lama lama jadi bukit.” Courage cannot be manufactured. You can’t fake courage; authenticity is essential in leadership. You must be willing to roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches. 

What distinguishes great leadership from so-so lemmingship?

I’m sure the answer will involve a long list, but one of the criteria must certainly be courage. This is certainly true for leaders undertaking large-scale transformational efforts; conquering the fear of failure is the most important first step for success.

Some of my own personal reflections on courage:

  1. Courage calls for leaders to embrace the possibility of failure. “There is no breakthrough without breakdown”.
  2. Courage requires a leader to unlearn what they have learnt. New challenges often call for new ways and new solutions. 
  3. Courage is about leaders being pragmatic in solving problems. Don’t be afraid to invent and try out new things. “Tiada rotan, akar berguna juga”.
  4. Courage often comes to those who have scaled the peaks and seen the view from the mountaintop. So don’t be afraid to try new things. Each new success gives you the confidence to tackle the next big(ger) mountain up ahead. “Kecik kecik lama lama jadi bukit.”
  5. Courage cannot be manufactured. You can’t fake courage; authenticity is essential in leadership. You must be willing to roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches.