6 Types of Courage for Inclusive Workplaces
Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.
– Brene Brown
INTRO
The role of educator—and educational leader—takes heart. And courage. But did you know that courage isn’t one-size-fits-all? Not only are there different types of courage, but you can also develop your own personal levels of courage through reflection and practice. Consider these 6 Types of Courage for Inclusive Workplaces to strengthen your own resolve as a leader and help model a more confident and inclusive workplace.
OBJECTIVES
- Evaluate your areas of strength and opportunities for growth for each of the 6 types of courage
- Brainstorm ways to begin developing and enhancing each type of courage
- Plan one practice or goal for each type
REFLECTION
- Consider each of the 6 types of courage for inclusive workplaces
- Evaluate yourself by first ranking each of the courage types in order of personal strength
- 1 = strongest area of courage — 6 = area of courage you most need to develop
- Consider your rankings.
- Do they surprise you at all? How and why?
- Why do you think you possess some types of courage and not others?
- What makes #1 and 2 especially “easy” or “natural” for you?
- What makes #5 and 6 especially “difficult” for you?
- Evaluate yourself by first ranking each of the courage types in order of personal strength
- Brainstorm ways to begin developing or enhancing each type of courage
- Plan one practice or goal for each type. Be sure your plans are tangible and practical.
- For #1-3 on your ranked list, consider how you more consistently and effectively apply your courage and/or enhance it further
- For #4-6 on your ranked list, consider how you can work on practicing and feeling comfortable and confident applying your courage
- Plan one practice or goal for each type. Be sure your plans are tangible and practical.
TIPS
- If you feel comfortable, consider discussing with a trusted friend, colleague, confidant, etc. An outside perspective can be helpful and enlightening (especially if you’re feeling stuck).
- Throughout the reflection process, think about if your personal courage is different at work and away from work. Think about why that might be. While we encourage your personal growth and wellbeing, be sure that your application of this process helps you develop your courage as an education leader.
1. Self-reflection and to check yourself prior to a collaborative meeting
2. Self-reflection for everyone involved in the meeting, as an exercise
3. Going into a contentious meeting, using this ahead of time to address specific areas of courage and where things could go wrong
4. Using this tool after a difficult meeting that feels unresolved to help find specific areas of contention.
School leaders can use this as a way to figure out who their team and the type of courage they show up with.