What is Courageous Leadership?

At Leadership Austin, we connect and develop leaders to “courageously” engage and transform our communities.

So what does leading courageously mean?

We co-created a definition, along with 5 behaviors, that we stand by:

Courageous Leaders bring out the best in others, lead boldly through uncertainty, and prioritize a community-centered course of action, even if tough or unpopular.

Input from Leadership Austin alumni, Emerge and Essential Classes of 2024, board members, and staff came together to form this definition and associated behaviors. The Board of Directors formally adopted this leadership approach as part of our strategic plan: Leadership Pathways to a Better Central Texas.

What is Community Centered?

Courageous leadership shows up at work, at home, and in our neighborhoods and communities. “Community” is defined by the leader. Each leader may be part of multiple communities, from leading teams at work to coaching youth soccer on the weekends to contributing time and expertise on community boards.

Community-centered means the leader is creating conditions for their communities to thrive. It means your community – your team, your customers and clients, and the people impacted – are at the heart of decisions, not the company, the bureaucracy, or the status quo.

Courageous Behaviors

We believe leadership is a verb, not a position or destination. Leading courageously looks like:

• Using my influence and resources for the greater good;
• Embracing empathy, curiosity, and listening to diverse viewpoints;
• Practicing vulnerability and constructive dialogue across differences;
• Taking calculated risks and transforming outdated practices; and
• Navigating changes quickly and addressing issues directly.

Find a detailed checklist to guide your leadership journey.

My Leadership Footprint

Last, we often look to famous or storied leaders for how to lead and how to act. While inspiration can be drawn from history’s leaders, the reality is you will be most effective being uniquely you. Your leadership gifts are special and your version of courageous leadership will look different than those around you. We invite you to hone a leadership style that feels authentically YOU.

Leadership is a continuous journey of learning, doing, and growing. Lead with purpose and confidence, and rise to the occasion.

-Leadership Austin