Page 39 - Fearless Leadership

26 FEARLESS LEADERSHIP

But before you sign up for fearless leadership, you need to know that it
is not for everyone; it is only for people who want to play big. It is for lead-
ers who want to accomplish extraordinary results, achieve high aspirations,
and who are willing to take accountability and act instead of sitting on
the sidelines. It is a choice to be greater, live by your highest ideals, and
take charge of the future.
When individuals and teams choose to alter how they work with one
another, change is fast and permanent, and excitement is contagious.
People experience profound personal breakthroughs and reach a higher
level of personal effectiveness, fulfillment, and accomplishment. This
makes fearless leadership self-replenishing and invigorating. Soon others
are asking, “How can I get involved?” This is change at its best. It emerges
from people who are on fire at all levels in your organization and want to
lead the organization to greatness.

The Decision to Be a Fearless Leader Is Yours
and Yours Alone
Fearless leadership is not another change initiative that can be mandated
by an organization and top leaders. You do not need approval, agreement,
or permission from anyone. This is your decision; you are in charge. This
is something you can influence. Regardless of where you are in your orga-
nization, you can powerfully lead and shape the future. Here is the caveat:
fearless leadership works only if you are willing to apply this methodology
to yourself first before asking others to embrace it.
You may be a senior leader or an individual contributor; it does not mat-
ter. Change starts wherever you are. I often hear people say, “If senior lead-
ers are not willing to do this, then it won’t work.” Certainly, it is more
powerful and expedient when senior leaders embrace any change and lead
the way for others. However, countless organizations have been highly suc-
cessful by leading transformational change from the middle of the orga-
nization, such as a business or staff unit, and driving it upward. All ways
work. With fearless leadership you can start anywhere and go everywhere,
so do not limit your creativity and thinking. Think big and generate ideas
for how you can apply fearless leadership in your company.
As you take on fearless leadership, resignation will attempt to creep in
at every step of the way. It may appear as a thought in your head such as