Jennifer Davidson, Reality Check Coaching, based in Portland, Oregon, offers leadership for your career & life goals

What is the greatest attribute of true leadership? Is it being the best, the brightest, the most privileged? Maybe it is speaking the loudest, the fastest, or saying the right thing? (But…I doubt it!)

I believe the greatest leadership attribute is facing fear publicly. Now, I know, this contradicts traditional thinking about leadership.  Stretch your mind for a minute and ask,  ”Why might facing fear publicly be the greatest attribute of leadership?”

Because when we face fear publicly we give others permission to do the same.

Steve Farber, The Radical Leap, wrote the following about fear:

“We’ve been conditioned to believe that fear is bad. And, yeah, fear can save your life or keep you from doing something stupid, but avoiding it can also keep you from doing something great, from learning something new, and from growing as a human being.”

Imagine how you would feel if your manager was willing to face fear publicly. Willing to stick their neck on the line, risk failure, and come out celebrating. That is inspiration!

Passion spreads when we witness someone who is willing to face fear publicly…look straight into the danger and say “BRING IT ON!” So, the next time someone asks you what you believe…answer with something that scares you.