Courage is a word that is incredibly relevant for any entrepreneur or individual that will at any time invest into an individual or organization.
To me, courage is a synonym for "doing what is necessary". This is easier said than done.
Traditionally, I have found two models for entrepreneurs that display high levels of courage. One model is an ego-maniacal type of courage. This is the case when an individual believes that his vision and word should be handed down unto the people on two tablets. These sort of entrepreneurs are highly underrated and often get un-funded solely because they are found to be distasteful by investors. If we are to be honest, we would confirm that these type of entrepreneurs can be very effective in a business setting (albeit they often suffer in personal relationships).
The other model is the entrepreneur who uses logic and reason. These are often times even more effective than the former type of entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs are mathematicians,engineers, and/or great debaters who use logic and "the data" to make their point. I find these type of entrepreneurs to be by far the most interesting and enjoyable to work with. The difference between these entrepreneurs and the former type is that they are much more objective about "the truth". When served with a position backed with better data these type of entrepreneurs will quickly change course and adjust to the new strategy. For these type of entrepreneurs there is no ego attached to decision making.
Shockingly, it takes quite a bit of courage to execute on seemingly obvious strategies. For example, the idea of constant iteration (most recently popularized by the lean startup movement) continues to be rejected by mainstream corporate (and business school) culture despite it being proven both scientifically and mathematically by W. Edwards Deming more than 60 years ago!
Common sense, it seems is not as common as we may hope, and courage is often needed to overcome this lack of common sense in business. (of course, it can often times be more pragmatic to pick your battles and surround yourself with people who have more common sense but sometimes life throws us constraints within which we must deal).
P.S. Don't miss an important post! Sign up to receive this blog by email!
02
