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06 Jul

A New Way to Look at Courage

wdmoran Leadership 0 0

Today marks the 265th anniversary of John Paul Jones’s birth. This extraordinary leader was the father of the American Navy, and his willingness to lead courageously earned him his place in history. His immortal words, “I have not yet begun to fight” spurred his officers and sailors to victory against a far superior force in the battle of Flamborough Head during the American Revolution. These same words have inspired naval officers throughout history to lead courageously. As the son of one of these officers, I felt compelled to illustrate the attribute of courage in my book, If You Will Lead, using Jones as the paradigm.

Courageous provides a broader definition of courage.

Last weekend I watched the movie Courageous. It was outstanding. It was very low budget, so the visual effects were non-existent and the acting was mediocre, but the message was remarkable. It caused me to examine more fully the concept of courage and how we use it to lead.Courageous tells the story of five men trying to be good fathers despite the challenges life throws at them. As a father, that was reason enough to watch it. As a student of leadership, I was drawn to its exploration of a type of courage that I failed to devote enough attention to in my book, the courage required to live our values. When one of the men experiences a personal tragedy, he decides to probe his faith and values to determine what it means to be a great father. This exploration culminates in “The Resolution,” a declaration of what specific actions he needs to take to be that father.

“The Resolution” allows him to draw a distinction between those things he believes and those that he values. By declaring his intent to invest himself in ten specific responsibilities and actions, he transforms his beliefs into values. For example during the opening scenes of the movie, he openly discusses his faith with family and friends, but in “The Resolution” he commits to teaching his family what that really meant. In “The Resolution” he reaffirms his marital vows. All ten lines reflect beliefs that become values.

The simple act of writing something like this down takes courage, because when we do we are likely to reveal our failures and inadequacies. The father in Courageous goes beyond writing “The Resolution.” He shares it with his family and friends, exposing himself to the judgment of those whose opinions matter most to him. When his friends decide to join him and adopt “The Resolution” for themselves, they agree to do so in a public ceremony. It was an amazing illustration of how friends can help us live our values and remain accountable.

Courageous is also a great illustration of the challenge of living our values openly, because the characters’ resolve is tested. When they remain true to themselves and their values, they put themselves at risk. When one of them fails to live up to the terms of “The Resolution,” he exposes his failure to the people who matter most him. In both situations, their values led to suffering and pain. So why would we want to live like this? The answer is simple. By doing so, we have the opportunity to be better people and stronger leaders – at home, at work, in our communities. . ..

Like John Paul Jones, the fathers in Courageous put themselves in harm’s way for what they believed. The physical dangers they faced as police officers made for a more exciting movie, but few of us face those types of dangers in our lives. However, we may choose to expose ourselves to the type of emotional and spiritual risks they took. Life and society will test our values. Are we courageous enough to explore and truly understand our values and beliefs? Are we then willing to declare them publicly and ask others to hold us to them? And what happens when we are tested? Will we accept the consequences of living them? If we choose to live this way, our courage can change our lives and the world around us.


beliefs Courage Courageous faith John Paul Jones Leadership The Resolution values
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If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I've invited Doug to speak several times at our university and will continued to enjoy doing so. Both students and faculty members love Doug's humility, his comfortable and highly interactive manner, and willingness to share both painful and successful experiences. He comes across as wise yet without a trace of arrogance. I think students almost instantly view him as the type of person they'd like to have as a mentor. I’m confident that those who apply the wisdom he shares will be introduced to new and practical ways of improving their leadership.
-Bob Kolodinsky

Ph.D., Director, Gilliam Center for Free Enterprise and Ethical Leadership and Professor, Management Department, College of Business, James Madison University
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I've invited Doug to speak several times at our university and will continued to enjoy doing so. Both students and faculty members love Doug's humility, his comfortable and highly interactive manner, and willingness to share both painful and successful experiences. He comes across as wise yet without a trace of arrogance. I think students almost instantly view him as the type of person they'd like to have as a mentor. I’m confident that those who apply the wisdom he shares will be introduced to new and practical ways of improving their leadership.
-Bob Kolodinsky

Ph.D., Director, Gilliam Center for Free Enterprise and Ethical Leadership and Professor, Management Department, College of Business, James Madison University
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Bringing years of personal experience in leadership in Fortune 500 companies, Doug's presentation is based on his Book "If You Will Lead." Doug's program was much more than a “motivational” sales seminar. It was an inspirational and energizing session that provided us with the tools and insights to lead more powerfully and sell more effectively.
- Ivan Gomez

President, AAISP – DC
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran’s opening keynote address to our annual conference set the tone for the entire event. It was my hope that we would have a speaker who would inspire and encourage our attendees to think and act more boldly about the topic of sustainable mobility, and Doug delivered exactly what we needed. Most importantly, he provided us with concrete leadership advice that we can use to drive positive change. His provocative and challenging words were repeated by many of our other presenters who integrated his leadership messages into their speeches and discussions.
– Sharon Lewinson

P.Eng., President ACT Canada
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran looks at the practice of leadership from a unique perspective - through the lens of a literary classic. It’s a fascinating way for today’s managers to think about their own leadership brand.
- Steve Arneson, Ph.D.

President, Arneson Leadership Consulting

(Steve was named one of the country's Top 100 thought leaders on leadership in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and one of the Top 25 leadership coaches in America for 2008, 2009 and 2010 by Leadership Excellence magazine. )
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Although the problems we confront have changed, the fundamentals of leadership remain the same. Recognizing this enduring truth, Doug Moran has created a book that draws leadership lessons from some of history’s greatest figures. If You Will Lead surely will help readers become better leaders.
- George Allen

Former Governor and Senator, Commonwealth of Virginia
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Few people are born leaders. The rest of us need a guide to help us gain both the courage and competency to lead well. Doug Moran’s book provides a perfect blend of a thoughtful leadership framework and anecdotes from some of history’s greatest leaders to help make his points come to life. If You Will Lead is a great companion for any aspiring executive.
-John Scanlon

EVP and CFO, Intersections, Inc.
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I was particularly impressed with the section of the book about Jim Mulligan and the role of leading with stamina. It is an outstanding representation of one of the toughest men to endure the Hanoi Hilton. His leadership kept us young guys going. This book captures the importance of leadership stamina.
- Cdr. Paul Galanti

(USN ret.), former POW
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
In IF YOU WILL LEAD, Doug Moran provides keen insights on leadership while drawing lessons from some of history’s great leaders. Moran has taken a complex and challenging subject and created lessons and a framework that can help leaders realize and leverage their strengths.
- Sanjiv Yajnik

President, Financial Services, Capital One
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
As I was reading If You Will Lead, I was reminded of Santayana’s famous quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This book offers the opportunity to learn from some of history’s greatest leaders, so we can replicate their success. Moran's masterful framework translates these historical lessons into a concrete and practical guide for today's leaders.
- Larry Klane

CEO, Korea Exchange Bank
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran’s humane and insightful study reminds us of some of the timeless qualities great leaders need. And even if leaders sometimes have to “govern in prose”, drawing inspiration from poetry is a fine idea.
- Stefan Stern

formerly management columnist at the FT, now Visiting Professor at the Cass Business School, London, and director of strategy at Edelman in the UK
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran did a great job of tying essential leadership attributes to great, recognizable leaders. The attributes chosen are essential traits of good leadership and very well organized.
- /s/ Vice Admiral Ed Clexton, USN (Ret)

former Commanding Officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, CVN-69, and recipient of the John Paul Jones 'Inspirational Leadership Award' from the Navy League of the US.
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
This is an engaging primer for anyone committed to becoming a leader at work or in life. Using compelling examples, Doug Moran has provided a valuable series of leadership lessons that are relevant and useful to all of us. This book will make a difference to you and to all who look to you for leadership.
- R. Jack Weber

Professor Emeritus, Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran’s book will motivate leaders at all level to strengthen key leadership traits of character, authenticity, integrity and self-efficacy. You will learn tangible leadership techniques and walk along side some of history’s best known figures from Lincoln to Mandela, making this a truly inspirational book.
- Wendy S. Swire

Co-author Anytime Coaching: Unleashing Employee Performance Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins Carey Graduate School of Business
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I highly add my name of recommendation to the book by Doug Moran entitled If You Will Lead. "One of the great needs in our country and in our world is the need for capable and inspiring leadership. There is, in my judgment, an absence of good leadership as we hear each day of the incessant wrangling among elected officials. We certainly need some new leaders to come forward. This book gives the reader a sense of the qualities of leadership which are so needed today. Leadership is an innate quality. It certainly can be acquired, as long as we have examples which this book gives to emulate." "In my judgment this book is most worthwhile and sorely needed in our world today.
- Walter F. Sullivan

Bishop Emeritus of Richmond
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
This is an engaging primer for anyone committed to becoming a leader at work or in life. Using compelling examples, Doug Moran has provided a valuable series of leadership lessons that are relevant and useful to all of us. This book will make a difference to you and to all who look to you for leadership.
- R. Jack Weber

Professor Emeritus, Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I was introduced to “IF” at a young age by my mom, and it is a poem that I keep in my mind at all times as I try to do my job to the very best of my ability here at Butler. Many of the positive lessons in the poem have been very applicable for me. It’s a terrific poem to study for those that aspire to be in a position of leadership.
-Brad Steven

Head Coach, Butler University Men’s Basketball Team
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
“If You will Lead” brings real insight into the qualities needed for successful leadership. This book is exceptionally well written and provides a true guideline into all aspects that challenge true leadership. Inspiring balanced and well thought out it is a major contribution for those who would lead in our fast changing society.
- Jim Mulligan
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
At a time when leadership in the world is at such a low ebb – “If You Will Lead” will make a tremendous contribution to the upcoming generation!
- Louise Mulligan
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
After 26 years on Wall Street, the last 20 of them leading people, I am more aware than ever of the need to level-set your actions and philosophies and always be adjusting to the fast-paced world we live in where change is the only constant. Doug Moran has proven himself to be a forward-thinking leader and insightful assessor of practical practices in an increasingly complex and competitive business environment, having demonstrated a track record of creative and strategic thinking along with successful tactical execution in both the public and private sectors across multiple leadership roles. As one fights off the temptation to become jaded and dismissive of those offering the latest recipe for leadership success, Doug has proven to be one of the few people whose opinions I seek out proactively, knowing that I can count on candid feedback, spirited debate and a collaborative partner when dealing with issues important to me both personally and professionally. If You Will Lead is an important addition to any leader’s short list of practical business reading and will make an immediate positive impact on how one ties effective leadership principles to the future success of their organization.
- Chris Dupuy

Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug's book on leadership is a standout. Based on Kipling's poem, "If," the book is thoughtful and comprehensive, pragmatic and inspiring, and grounded in self awareness, which is the fundamental requirement for leadership excellence. This book, with its well-drawn examples of leadership attributes, is in itself a courageous act of leadership. Serious leaders interested in transformation for themselves or their organizations ought to savor it, journal with it, and refer to it often as a way to calibrate, contribute, and create results that matter.
- Christine Wahl, MCC

Author of Be Your Own Coach, and On Becoming a Leadership Coach, and creator of the Georgetown University Leadership Coaching Program



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