Courageous Leadership

"The wisest mind has something yet to learn"
-George Santayana

In the fall of 2010, in partnership with Columbia College, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina’s Carolina Academy for Nonprofits expanded as a result of implementing a nine-credit graduate level certificate program. The Nonprofit Leadership Training Certificate program was designed for nonprofit leaders who were recognized as having great potential and who were ready to take their nonprofit leadership to the next level.  Through the collaborative partnership with Columbia College, we have seen first-hand the transformative power of bringing nonprofit leaders together to enhance their knowledge, skills and framework to lead nonprofit organizations in an ever-changing society. 
 
However, as we reflect upon the overwhelming success of the program to date, a dynamic truth emerged as it relates to leadership. When I considered the core values of both entities, this Foundation (collaboration, compassion, justice, respect and courage) and Columbia College (commitment, confidence, competence and courage), I quickly recognized that there was one core value in which we both shared and was interwoven throughout our work – COURAGE. 
 
Each year since the inception of the Nonprofit Leadership Training Certificate program, I have watched as nonprofit leaders entered our doors not knowing what to expect, but with a determination to go through the process and to graduate stronger and more empowered to lead. Whether from a very large organization or from an organization that was just getting off the ground, these leaders met the challenge offered to them. While they brought with them various missions, characteristics and principles that helped them succeed, the Academy faculty, the curriculum, the class sessions, the assignments, the discussions, the activities – were all grounded in ways in which the student/leader could glean the skills to lead with courage. 
 
So you may be asking, “What makes a courageous leader?” To begin, it may be helpful to share with you what Ron Edmonson, leadership strategist calls the 7 characteristics of Cowardly Leadership:

•  Says “I’ll think about it” rather than “No”…even though no is already the decided answer 
• Avoids conflict…even when it is necessary for the good of relationships and the organization 
• Never willing to make the hard decisions 
• Pretends everything is okay…even when it’s not 
• Bails on the team when things become difficult 
• Refuses to back up team members 
• Caves in to criticism…even if it is unfounded

On the other hand, Ron Edmonson offers 7 Traits that Separate a Leader of Courage: 

• Takes risks others are unwilling to attempt 
• Invest in people others are willing to dismiss 
• Empowers people while others wait for them to completely prove themselves 
• Faces conflicts others avoid 
• Challenges the status quo with which others have grown contented 
• Embraces change others ignore 
• Remains steadfast when others are departing

So here we are, 15 graduates later and with 9 students currently enrolled in the program, continuing our commitment to inspire nonprofit leaders to lead courageously. After all, Samuel Johnson said it best, “Courage is the greatest of all virtues, because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.”  


Katrina Spigner is senior program officer for the Sisters of Charity Foundation