Courageous Leadership | Having the Courage to Achieve Success

 

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast

CHRONICLE: October 3rd,  2022

 

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

                                                                                                     Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Courageous Leadership | Having the Courage to achieve Success

 

With the Visionary Chronicles Podcast, I intend to take what I have learned over my years as a business leader, both as an owner and executive, with global brands and share meaningful, diverse topics.

A significant part of leadership is crucial as you face barriers: the ability to have the faith and courage to make a decision and “the right one” at the right time.

When I mention “the right one,” companies will often ask what I am referring to when is ask this question. I find that it is easy to make “a decision,” but not always easy to find and make the “right decision .”A decision that is consistent with the brand's foundational values and the company's culture. Taking the time to make the right decision takes both faith and courage, especially when the barrier seems impossible, but doing so will build integrity in your culture. It is a commitment to ensuring that decisions are well thought out from all angles, both financially and culturally. Also, having a transparent process with each angle viewed assures you keep an authentic, passionate culture and your foundational values intact without sacrificing long-term opportunities.

We now live in a society where inclusiveness, cultural authentication, and a passion for your brand values are vital pieces to success. Those who believe in the vision set by the brand and see a commitment to it daily are more productive and satisfied in their work.

Faith can take on many meanings, but most feel it is believing without yet seeing, a complete trust in someone to see you through. A Vision set by a leader through a path not yet seen, a product not yet built, a service not yet provided, or making a disruptive brand through a leadership committed to ongoing innovation, integrity, or the building of a culture that bonds every team member together, a passionate belonging to a long-term vision. The type of Vision set by Patagonia leader Yvon Chouinard. Some may agree or choose to disagree, but the passion within a leader's heart will drive them to success.

Not every brand will want to follow Yvon’s path, but I can guarantee they admire his Vision for doing his part in providing for the other's future. His passion is an example of many who had the faith and courage to BE DIFFERENT! Those who are different, the “square pegs in the round holes,” dare to think differently when everything is the same. So be Different, and have the courage to know that you can conquer all barriers set before you through a solid foundational faith.

When I discuss this concept with Visionary leaders, and the need to think beyond product or service and ensure your culture is authentic, they realize it is a crucial piece of their future. When setting your Vision or analyzing your already established vision, you may need to rethink your version of success. You will need to adapt to our new world, just as those working for your brand have adopted. Still, you must also understand the updated thought process to decision making, knowing who is watching and understanding their expectations to be authentic to your foundation.

 

How do you incorporate this Courageous Leadership into your Brand’s Foundation?

1. Build a Culture of Trust; until your team trusts what you say, through action, it is just words.
2. Ensure each Voice is heard; most understand that not all ideas are great, but give them a chance to express their thoughts.
3. Establish a Vision; being able to express where you have been is easy; being able to envision where you are going is Visionary.
4. Empower your Team; Empower your team to be proactive, providing solutions to potential problems that are not yet issues. Most brands are reactive, be proactive.
5. Be Authentic; be authentic around the Vision you have set, both internally and externally. Everyone is watching, be TRUE to your Vision and DO NOT compromise.

 

The barriers you face as a leader will always come, but you can conquer each without fear—your brand, teams, and community count on you to remain calm in the face of adversity.

In my new book, an AMAZON Bestseller, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, I discuss these Visionary Brands and some of the Leaders who successfully navigated their brands to generational success.

 

Leadership does not always mean the most intelligent voice in the room; more often than not, it is someone courageous with the faith to know all things work together successfully. If you are logical, compassionate, direct, and have the ability to see the future when others can not.

 

Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!

Enjoy the Journey!

 

Bryan Smeltzer, President

 LiquidMind Inc.

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