Courage in Conversation

Courage is not the absence of fear — it is speaking despite it. The nervousness you feel before opening your mouth is the same sensation every leader experiences. The difference is that leaders act through the discomfort rather than being paralyzed by it.

Start small. In your next meeting, commit to being first to comment after the leader asks for input. Prepare one thoughtful observation in advance. The more you practice speaking first, the more natural it becomes — until nervousness transforms into anticipation.