ON DREAM AND COURAGE

This year is almost over, this is the time for us to cultivate the determination to be a successful leader in the future. To make a decision to overcome all the problems that occur in the workplace is very important in terms of quality and courage. Leaders should have a long-term view of the organization, the ability to imagine where it is in five to 10 years. The right vision becomes a source of organizational unity because employees and leaders will see the same direction, reflects the spirit of the leader to ensure  work is done and vision can be realized. Leaders should demonstrate confidence and perseverance, qualities essential to the successful implementation of strategies.

The world today is more materialistic. Ethical principles and practices are expected of an organization. Without ethical thinking, leaders may not be fully responsible for the job, instead expecting rewards that lead to self-reliance and not to the benefit of the organization and society. To produce good ethics as a cultural norm, leaders must demonstrate good performance to build a capable and ethical workforce. With ethical mindfulness, leaders not only deliver sustainable performance but also build teams of capable and ethical employees.

Leaders should have the right knowledge and be aware of the proper procedures needed to make the right decision. Courage is needed especially when a decision goes against the tide. In this regard, leaders must also understand the consequences of taking risks in making difficult decisions in carrying out daily tasks. Without certain creativity and courage, leaders may not be able to see things outside the box, take different or contradictory views and create new and challenging agendas for the organization. The result could be a new business opportunity and growth for both the short and long term. No matter how clever a person is, without a strong willingness and ability to communicate, one cannot be a perfect leader. In this case, the leader must convince others to achieve the desired vision, and not act as the boss who only gives orders.

In short, courage makes me try more of my best, trust more and less fear. Merriam-Webster Dictionary states that courage is a mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is a necessary trait of effective leadership. I learned that without courage, a good leader could not display other traits such as integrity, honesty, altruism, communications skill and decisiveness. To General George Patton, the most important quality of a good leader was a willingness to make decisions and this takes courage.

Subordinates seek this reassurance from their leaders at all levels.  Though they may be tentative, leaders must demonstrate character and moral strength. Other than that, courage is also important because leaders must actively ensure that dignity and respect are maintained in working environments.  A failure to attain and maintain respect can lead to the degradation of discipline, and in turn, negative incidents. Courageous must be maintained by assuring yourself that fear can harm you. We need to embrace this fear, enlarge our comfort zone, and try the best of ourselves. It is indeed true what people say, Without Courage, All Dreams are Meaningless. All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Juhaimy Ishak

Head of Purchasing

KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital