Courage in the workplace can take many forms, such as speaking up, taking risks with new ideas or products, confronting ethical dilemmas and wrongdoing, or persevering when faced with obstacles. Regardless of your role at work, or your temperament, research has found that courage is something that can be learned and that one person’s courageous actions can inspire others.Take a look at these 4 types of courage identified by the VIA Institute on Character:
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Bravery [valor]: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is right even if there is opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery but is not limited to it
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Perseverance [persistence, industriousness]: Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of action in spite of obstacles; “getting it out the door”; taking pleasure in completing tasks
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Honesty [authenticity, integrity]: Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretense; taking responsibility for one’s feelings and actions
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Zest [vitality, enthusiasm, vigor, energy]: Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or halfheartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated.
What types of courage do you want to cultivate? Does your workplace culture foster and encourage bravery? What can you do to incorporate courage into your work life, one action at a time?