You Have To Be Bold In Leadership

In Feb 1966, Bobbi Smith received a response letter from the Boston Marathon organisers. It categorically stated that women were “not physiologically able to run a marathon.” Bobbi was undeterred by the deeply biased and non-scientific response and snuck herself into the marathon. She hid behind a forsythia bush and joined the marathon dressed in her brother’s hoodie and shorts. She completed it in 3 hours and 21 minutes, putting her in the top third of all runners. Bobbi Smith’s bold act of defiance was the first unofficial participation of a woman in a marathon.

The following year in 1967, Kathrine Switzer officially joined and completed the Boston Marathon. Despite attempts from some men to prevent her from competing, she entered and completed the race. Through acts of sheer boldness, both of these women set a movement in motion. Post-Smith and Switzer, rules were changed to permit women to run in marathons and ultra-competitive runs and swims nationally and globally.

Boldness is a trait that can set apart the great leaders from the rest. It's a quality that inspires others, drives innovation, fosters change, and achieves remarkable results. But what does it mean to be bold in leadership?

To be bold in leadership means being brave enough to step outside your comfort zone, take calculated risks, and make decisions that may not always be popular - but are in your organisation's or team's best interest. It involves a willingness to challenge the status quo, question conventional wisdom, and push boundaries.

Being bold means taking risks and making tough decisions

There is no escaping the necessity for good decision-making in leadership. These decisions may involve major strategic shifts, restructuring, or even letting go of unproductive or toxic team members. Bold leaders understand that making tough decisions is part of their responsibility and do not shy away from them. Yes, this is easier said than done. But who said leadership was easy? (Tell me. I’ll fight them.)

You cannot be afraid to face criticism or resistance. Instead, believe in and focus on the long-term benefits of your choices. Yes, this can be risky, but that is also part of the job.

Bold leaders understand that growth and progress often require taking chances. Whether entering new markets, launching innovative products, or investing in unproven technologies, they are willing to explore uncharted territories and accept the possibility of failure. However, they also recognize the importance of calculated risks, ensuring their decisions are well-researched and thought-out. In a way, being bold goes hand-in-hand with being visionary. To be courageous enough to step up and make difficult choices when everything is saying the opposite requires a clear sense of where you want to take your organisation or team and not be easily swayed by short-term challenges or setbacks.

This is, of course, just one element of being a good leader. However, boldness is the driving force that will get you through the toughest of times. Bold leaders lead by example and inspire the people around them to achieve remarkable results. In a constantly changing world, bold leadership is essential for organisations and teams to thrive and succeed.