Why Are We Bad at Picking Good Leaders? A Better Way to Evaluate Leadership Potential

WHY IS COURAGE IMPORTANT FOR LEADERSHIP?

Courage has been and continues to be a critical factor in human affairs. Without the uncommon fortitude of leaders like Teddy Roosevelt, Mohandas Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela, the world would be a much different place in which to live. Roosevelt bravely led a cavalry unit up San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War, but as president, he showed a different kind of courage. His bold efforts to take on the powerful corporations and Wall Street trusts in 1903–1904 led to key regulatory reform. Gandhi spent most of his adult life protesting the treatment of Indians by colonial Britain. His perseverance and nonviolent methods led to Indian independence in 1947 and inspired generations of future activists. Nelson ...