General George C. Patton, USA, once stated that courage was nothing more than “fear hanging on for one minute longer.” He obviously was referring to the fear that soldiers face in the tense moments prior to entering combat; however, I would submit that this physical fear is very closely related to that fear we all have during those tense moments when we are about to make a decision when conjuring up the moral courage to do the right thing — in spite of the consequences.
It is safe to say that moral courage is front and center in today’s culture. When we scan today’s newspapers, surf the internet news media, or watch television news, we are frequently reminded that leaders in all walks of life either lack the moral fiber to do the right thing or in some cases take a stand and act based on their principles. In his book, Moral Courage, Rushworth Kidder reveals that moral courage is the bridge between talking ethics and doing ethics. Defining it as a readiness to endure danger for the sake of principle, he explains that the courage to act is found at the intersection of three elements: action based on core values, awareness of the risks, and a willingness to endure necessary hardship. By exploring how moral courage spurs us to strive for core values, he demonstrates the benefits of ethical action to the individual and to society — and the severe consequences that can result from remaining morally dormant.
Having the moral courage to do what is right equips leaders to respond to the increasingly complicated moral challenges they face at work and in our communities. It enables them to make clear, confident decisions by exploring some litmus-test questions:
- Is the benefit worth the risk?
- Am I motivated by my desire to uphold my beliefs or just to impose them on others?
- Will my actions create collateral damage among those with no stake in the outcome?
While physical courage may no longer be a necessary day-to-day survival skill other than perhaps our armed forces facing combat, few would dispute the growing need for moral courage as the true gauge of leadership. Making decisions is fundamental to good leadership. While avoiding a tough choice may seem like a temporary escape from responsibility, doing nothing is itself a decision and will have consequences.
Take an extra minute and work through the fear to do the right thing.
