Character and Leadership in Egypt

The unfolding events in Egypt are a powerful and present reminder of the need for character in leadership. To be sure President Mubarak's character has been evident over his 30 year reign. The problem is that his character does not reflect the character of his people or take advantage of the best Egypt has to offer the world.

Leadership that relies on fear and control eventually comes to an end at the hands of the captives. Only at that time does the dictator try to placate the people with small reforms that have little meaning.

My hope for Egypt is that its greatness will be renewed through leaders that possess the character and leadership that Egypt deserves.

Everyday Courage

One of the greatest benefits of the times in which we live are the stories of inspiration and courage that cross our paths every day. I have mentioned before that I find myself most challenged with the element of courage in my leadership and my personal life. Perhaps that is why I am so captured by stories of courage in others. Early in the month I shared on our Facebook page the story of Katie Jeter. She has demonstrated profound courage in pushing past the obstacle of disease and amputation to continue to play her favorite sport, hockey.

What I see in Katie is an ability that takes many leaders years to develop - the courage to firmly push past obstacles and boldly seize opportunities. I am grateful for Katie’s example of personal courage. I know this same quality will permeate her leadership for years to come.

As inspiring as Katie’s story is, what about leaders who don’t find themselves in the type of personal or professional challenge that requires bravery? Is it possible that the type of courage that leaders must demonstrate is more mundane? Is it possible that it takes courage just to get up and face the ordinary challenges of the day?

I think we may focus too much on the extraordinary and miss the courage demonstrated by leaders each day. I saw two demonstrations of courage in leadership this month in our own practice.

One day early in the month I had a rare opportunity to drop in on a friend who is the CEO of a local organization. The company he leads has been through the depths during the recent recession, and although they have found the bottom, they are still struggling on a daily basis to overcome the effects of the economic downturn. Throughout this decline, my friend has stayed in his role despite the fact that he could move on at any time to a much more desirable situation. He has persevered not because he is dedicated to the company and the industry but because of his sense of responsibility to his team. This type of courage to keep on is an inspiration and epitomizes the courage to lead captured in The Character of Leadership model.

The second situation of courage comes from a new client. I was asked to provide coaching to an executive in need of some new abilities to lead her team. I don’t do a lot of individual coaching but was inspired when I chatted with this new client. What I loved in our conversation was her passion to learn new skills, to see her organization from a more strategic perspective, and to tap into a coach to expand her ability. It takes courage to ask for and implement help.

Even though we can see a great demonstration of courage in Katie’s story, let’s not overlook the courage of everyday leadership: the courage to stick with an ailing company because it is the right thing to do, or the courage to learn and grow.