Being a leader takes courage. There’s no doubt about it. I’ve written about courage before on this blog (see here), and I’m struck by how often I recognize moments in my life when making the choice to lead requires me to dig deep to find the courage.

One of the great challenges of leadership is to know when to stand up and speak and when to sit down and listen. Churchill’s quote reminds us that both are acts of leadership that require tremendous courage.

When I think about courage, I often envision great historic icons, soldiers, heroes…but lately I’ve been reflecting on courage closer to home, the courageous men and women I know personally. From single parents to small business owners to friends chasing big dreams, I’m surrounded by courageous men and women each and every day. It takes courage to lead at work, at home, and in our communities. And every time we say YES and choose to lead, we show the world our courage.

Today, I salute you for being a courageous leader. And I remind you of this important truth:

“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is that little voice at the end of the day that says ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher