- Accolades and hearty slaps on the back are uncommon responses to your best leadership efforts. In reality, the best moments of a leader are often celebrated in silence.
- Ambiguity, uncertainty and change are on the menu daily. As a leader, you’ll leave your comfort zone far behind, and you quickly discover that someone moves your cheese almost every day.
Back to intestinal fortitude (IF). IF is what kicks you out of bed everyday, knocks down your demons of self doubt, scoffs at ambiguity and gives you the confidence to fight the good fight, serving, developing and guiding others. IF helps you deal with ethical dilemmas, tough decisions and the sticky spots along the way. And finally, IF is what you draw upon to gain the courage and energy to persevere on what may often seem like a thankless task. It reminds you that this job has little to do with you and everything to do with the people around you.
6. Do you have the moral courage to stand tough and take the heat for your team during times of adversity? Leaders are made during tough times and by taking the unpopular path on difficult issues. If you don’t like the idea of being a human shield, it’s time to dust off those individual contributor skills.
...
Don’t get me wrong. The personal rewards from leading far outweigh the burdens. Nonetheless, without Intestinal Fortitude, you won’t last long enough to realize what a remarkable experience it is to serve and guide others.
