What do you stand for?

Taking a stand for what’s right takes courage. If you just go along to get along, well then, you’re really not taking a stand. Taking a stand means believing in something so much that you will stand up for it, protect it, and positively influence others about it.

Many times we are tempted to not stand firm. Why is that? Beyond fear, maybe it’s the desire to avoid conflict. Well yuck, that just creates conflict on your inside because it goes against who you are. That’s not healthy!

It’s never easy to take a courageous stand because there is usually a price to pay. It seems cheaper to just… (more…)

Did you enjoy a typical, traditional Thanksgiving dinner, or was it full of little surprises and new twists?

This year, instead of eating around the lunch hour, we had our Thanksgiving feast at 4:00 p.m. Next, someone changed up the traditional broccoli-rice-cheese casserole. If that wasn’t enough, a different stuffing was suggested. Really???

I’m always up for change, but this year I found myself feeling a little uncomfortable with alterations to our traditions, which got me thinking about the significance between change and tradition. (more…)

“Stubbornness is a virtue if you are right.” – Tony Dungy

I really like this quote because it highlights the other side of what we often immediately consider a negative trait! Of course, there are many instances when stubbornness can get in the way of our productivity and progress, such as when we’re not willing to explore other viable options or when we’re unwilling to admit when we’re wrong. However, there are many instances when being stubborn is exactly what is needed. Here are some examples:

  • When you won’t compromise your values and beliefs.
  • When you choose what’s right over what’s popular.
  • When you don’t give up, even in the face of adversity.

As Tony points out, in the right circumstances stubbornness doesn’t mean we are unwilling to budge. It means we aren’t willing to negotiate on what we know is right.

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand,
the spines of others are often stiffened.” -Billy Graham

Another great quote tweeted by @KevinMyersPK last week! Have you ever gained courage from someone else’s willingness to take a stand, draw the line, or speak up for what he or she believes in? I certainly have.

For those of us in titled leadership positions, we need to remember that our people are watching what we say, what we do, as well as what we don’t say or do. When we fail to take a stand when we should, we send the message to our team that we don’t believe the issue is worth fighting for or that we value safety and security over our beliefs.

It’s also important to know that you don’t have to be a titled leader to have contagious courage. I’ve been blessed in my past and current career to have teammates working for me who give me great courage.

Is your courage contagious? To your followers, your teammates, or your boss?