5 APAC business leaders discuss courageous leadership
In a state of global permacrisis, leaders need to take risks in the face of the unknown. That takes courage – a skill that doesn’t always come naturally.
Key takeaways
- How to embrace courageous leadership
- The importance of taking risks and speaking up, even if it challenges cultural norms
- How to bring vulnerability and self-awareness to your leadership style
Key takeaways
- How to embrace courageous leadership
- The importance of taking risks and speaking up, even if it challenges cultural norms
- How to bring vulnerability and self-awareness to your leadership style
Leadership & Professional Development
Help your people exceed their potential, so they can unlock yours
4 Playing to win, rather than playing not to lose
It’s not just fear of failure that holds many leaders back from being courageous. It’s the fact that they’ve never lost – something that defines their identity and reputation. Consequently, they prefer to only take risks that they are certain will pay off. Scott Hensarling, Senior Client Partner, Korn Ferry Singapore, calls this “playing not to lose”. “Over 15 years of assessment and coaching, the most common scenario I see isn’t an epic good versus evil choice,” says Hensarling. “It’s the moment where leaders could apply courage and make a strategic bet – or play it safe with a low-risk middle ground.”
The problem with playing it safe is that the organization may survive. But it will never thrive. “Courage is the key to generating value, and leadership needs to demonstrate it first.” Scott says.
5 Bringing your whole self to work — and giving others permission to do the same
How can you make the tough but value-aligned decisions that chart a new path forward for your whole organization? You need to be ready to lead difficult conversations, name the elephants in the room, challenge the status quo, and rearrange power structures.
Dr. Laura McHale, a Korn Ferry leadership psychologist based in Hong Kong, says this is tough work and it’s natural to feel “a little wobbly and vulnerable.” This vulnerability is scary but necessary for true change and growth. “Bringing your whole self to work is profoundly courageous. It's also inspiring because it gives others permission to do the same,” says Hensarling. “This is the single most complex time in the history of humanity. Getting the best return on courage requires strong self-awareness, as well as the ability to prioritize shared value over ‘value for self’.”
Why a courageous mindset matters: The foundation for an Enterprise Leader
Today’s leaders are expected to transform their organizations while staying true to core principles, to advance social goals without sacrificing economic ones, and to balance employee wellness needs with productivity requirements. These are big, difficult challenges that can’t be met by avoiding conflict, staying quiet or playing it safe. They require a courageous mindset–– one of the five mindsets that form the foundation of a successful Enterprise Leader.
Ready to begin your journey towards Enterprise Leadership and cultivate a more courageous mindset? Talk to us about our Enterprise Leadership Institute.
