It’s easy to lead when things are going smoothly. When the wind is at your back, sailing is smooth. Authentic leadership is required when things aren’t going well. Real leadership is needed with the wind in your face.

Leadership requires courage. Leaders must have the courage to move intentionally when time permits, and to act with expediency when time is a factor. Leaders must listen, synthesize information, and build consensus. Most of all, courageous leaders uphold the values of the organization – even when it is tough. There are no shortcuts to bold leadership – it demands that we do the work.