Chapter 1
Bravely Leading From Within
©️2022 by Solution Tree Press
Leadership is not about titles or the corner office. It’s about the willingness to step up, put yourself out there, and lean into courage. The world is desperate for braver leaders. It’s time for all of us to step up. —Brené Brown
Be brave. Show courage. These are two little pieces of advice people often receive during personally and professionally challenging times. Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary defines someone who is brave (n.d.) as one with mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. When high-ranking company leaders were asked, “What, if anything, about the way people are leading today, needs to change in order for leaders to be successful in a complex, rapidly changing environment where we’re faced with seemingly intractable challenges and an insatiable demand for innovation?” the response was quite simple: “We need braver leaders and more courageous cultures” (Brown, 2018, p. 6). The research participants specifically suggest elements of bravery and courage when describing successful leadership. Based on our experiences working in schools, we concur with the research participants’ assessment. We have observed that where there are bold, resolute leaders who fiercely stand for what is best for students and uphold this stance no matter what, the school staff are more likely to embrace the change and innovation necessary to improve outcomes for students. Finding the mental strength despite all obstacles and stepping up as needed take courageous personal resolve. Leading from within draws on your inner strength and resilience, and aids you in building confidence in yourself and others. The exceptional leaders we have worked with recognize that determined,
9
