Courage in Leadership: The Turning Point for Teams

Courage: The Leadership Team Breakthrough

Every leadership team eventually faces a moment of truth: Do we make the decision that is right but not easy—or do we avoid it, hoping the problem will resolve itself?

For years, I’ve said: We need to be courageous about our people decisions. But it wasn’t until I encountered Dr. David Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness that the picture came into focus. Hawkins describes Courage as the dividing line between negative and positive states of being.

Below vs. Above Courage

• Below Courage: fear, pride, anger, and apathy dominate. Teams here avoid conflict, protect egos, and let politics thrive.
• Above Courage: willingness, acceptance, trust, creativity, and peace emerge. Teams here tackle issues head-on, think of the greater good, and move forward together.

This framework perfectly explains what I’ve witnessed: Courage is the turning point for leadership teams.

What Courage Looks Like in Teams

Courage isn’t dramatic. It’s rarely loud. But it is unmistakable:

• Facing people issues head-on, instead of tolerating mediocrity or toxic behavior.
• Choosing what’s right over what’s easy, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Leaving ego at the door and acting for the greater good.
• Stepping into the danger — raising the real issues at the table, not whispering in the hallway.

What Happens Without Courage

When teams avoid Courage, they remain trapped below the line Hawkins identified. The symptoms are easy to spot:

• Decisions are ego-driven or fear-based.
• Hard conversations are avoided, fueling “hallway politics.”
• Anxiety and frustration drain energy.
• The team becomes stuck, circling the same issues without resolution.
  
  

The Invitation to Teams

Courage is not optional for high-performing teams. It’s the gateway to transformation.

When a team musters Courage — to have the tough conversation, to make the people decision, to act for the greater good — everything changes:

• Trust replaces anxiety.
• Alignment replaces politics.
• Momentum replaces stagnation.

Final Thought: The next time your team faces a decision or conversation you’re tempted to avoid, remember Hawkins’ insight: Courage is the line. Step across it, together. That’s where growth begins.

Is Your Team Stuck Circling Issues?

At Stitch Solutions, we help leadership teams embrace the Courage needed to move from politics to progress. Explore how EOS Implementation can help your team make tough decisions with clarity and confidence.