The 7 Secrets of Neuron Leadership

Chapter 9Courageous Lion—Neuron Secret Five

You have plenty of courage, I am sure. All you need is confidence in yourself.

—THE WIZARD OF OZ TO THE COWARDLY LION (FIGURE 9.1)

Figure 9.1 Courageous Lion

Source: Anna Velichkovsky, Dreamstime.com.

NEURON SECRET FIVE

The Principle of Courage: It takes courage to have integrity and to be accountable

King George VI, whose real name was Albert, ruled England from 1936 until his death in 1952. Most Brits laughed when he assumed the throne. They wondered how he had succeeded his brother, Edward VIII, who was far more handsome, charismatic, and understandable. Albert had been plagued with a serious speech impediment that Edward chided him about constantly.

Edward appeared to be the lion, full of fortitude and blessed with a fluent tongue, while Albert assumed the role of a reclusive sheep, destined to live in his brother's shadow. Underneath Edward's façade, however, lurked an undisciplined jackal. He was sometimes a bit hedonistic and politically immature. In contrast, Albert held his head high and exhibited dignity and determination. Had his brother Edward not abdicated the throne in 1936, to marry Wallis Simpson, the Nazis might have conquered Britain.

Albert assumed the throne, but his impediment was so bad that he couldn't even pronounce the letter “k,” a decidedly bad thing for a guy whose first name had just become “King.” ...