Introduction

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

—Gandalf, in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring

In the years since the publication of Courage: The Backbone of Leadership,1 we as a country have seen our levels of conflict, fears, and anxieties soar like an Elon Musk rocket. The first casualties? Our already questionable abilities to respect all people and to actually listen to each other.

The Playbook challenges us to do the highest moral action in the routines of everyday life. It's not about the rarely needed physical bravery of running into burning buildings. It's really about authentically respecting others in the here and now to instill a strong and meaningful rhythm in our daily lives. When do we need courage? Every time we interact with someone or face any manner of decision. Where does this need arise? At home, in families, during commutes, at work, in relationships, in the gym, and out with friends—whenever moments quietly call upon our actual ability to be courageous. Often, we don't even notice or, fearing discomfort, we look the other way. Every day, we lose opportunities to become our best selves. Based on my own history of weakness, I know we can do better. I train people to overcome their fears. Long experience with diverse clients has taught me to focus on two principles:

  • First, as individuals and as a people, we need to use UPR, Unconditional Positive Respect.
  • Second, UPR is achieved by practice. Practicing UPR ...

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