FanStory.com - Courage JJ DID TIE BUCKLEby Bill Schott

Leadership Traits:
Justice, Judgement, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Endurance, Bearing, Unselfishness (previously addressed), Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, and Enthusiasm.

Courage, as we know off the cuff, is the ability to face adversity with strength. What is more important is the aspect of moral courage. That is the ability to face adversity within our own groups and do what is right despite opposition.

When we were in school, bullies would lay onto whoever their prey was and other students would watch seemingly helpless. The courage to defend or intercede was typically nonexistent. Sometimes though, the righteous indignation would be strong enough to buck the odds of winning and come to the aid of another. In the perfect situation, this might inspire others to join the fight. However, even if defeated, this moment will be cemented in many minds. Yours, the one who you would save, the bullies who would be surprised, and the onlookers who will take note of this action. A seed of courage will have been planted.

As leaders we may be given an assignment that is unpopular with those who will be doing the job. We would then need to push for success and encourage those who may be half-hearted to put their full effort forward for the good of all.

It is often quoted that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in the face of it.

COURAGE (edited from the Lion's speech from The Wizard of Oz)

What makes a King out of a slave?
What makes the flag on the mast to wave?
What makes the elephant charge his tusk, in the misty mist or the dusky dusk?
What makes the muskrat guard his musk?
What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder?
What makes the dawn come up like thunder?
What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the "ape" in apricot?
What have they got that I ain't got?