Courage is most often thought of in relation to tales of bravery and heroism. But courage is a trait that transcends all aspects of our personal and professional lives. It serves as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and transformation. It is a driving force that propels us to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and forge a path towards success.
Courage is something we all need. In Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead, she makes the connection between vulnerability and courage. You can’t have courage without being vulnerable, yet our egos say being vulnerable is a bad thing. In reality, it’s not. We must understand that being vulnerable is ok.
In the business world, courage is the cornerstone of innovation and progress. In this ever-evolving world, businesses that stay stagnant will be left behind. Leaders must show courage and adapt with the rapidly changing landscape. Taking calculated risks opens doors to new opportunities and enables companies to stay ahead of the competition.
At Heartland Trust, we have shown courage over the past few years as we grow. We’ve had several promotions and hirings; we’ve migrated to several new software platforms including our entire wealth management business; and we recently finished our office remodel (stop by and see it if you’re in the neighborhood!).
Ultimately, we want our courage to promote personal and professional growth. We strive to make every day better than the last. Not every day will be a great day, but we want more great days than good days, and more good days than bad days. I am proud of the team at Heartland Trust and the courage they show.