The 7C Leadership Compass

PITFALL

SCIENTIFIC BASIS

WARNING SIGNS

SOLUTIONS

Optimism bias Underestimating risks by excess confidence Courage vs. Recklessness Confusing calculated risk with imprudence

• You take risks without analyzing the consequences • You ignore the team’s warnings • You prioritize action over reflection • Your “bold bets” regularly fail

 Evaluate risks and benefits before acting  Imagine failure, identify risks (pre-mortem)  Base decisions on data, not just intuition  Create contingency plans for major risks

1. RECKLESS COURAGE

Pitfalls to avoid: Courage

Virtue signaling Displaying courage for image without real risk Low-cost courage Only taking a stand when it’s safe

• You take a stand only on already popular issues • You avoid real controversies • Your “courage” has no real consequences • You talk about courage but shy away from conflict

 Take a stand, even when it’s unpopular  Show courage through actions, not just words  Embrace the fact that true courage comes with consequences  Defend your values, even when it’s uncomfortable  Develop team’s capacity to take risks  Create environment where failure is acceptable  Value team’s courage, not just results  Gradually transfer responsibility for bold decisions

2. PERFORMATIVE COURAGE

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Heroic leadership Taking all risks yourself Dependency effect Team waits for leader to be courageous

• You are the only one taking risks • The team is passive in the face of challenges • You are exhausted by difficult decisions • The organization can’t move forward without you • “I’m just being honest” after hurting someone • You value frankness over respect • The team is afraid of your feedback • You confuse courage with insensitivity

3. COURAGE WITHOUT PRUDENCE

Brutal frankness Using “courage” as excuse for cruelty Lack of emotional intelligence Being unaware of how your words resonate with others

 Challenge directly AND show you care  Criticize behavior, not person  Choose the right time and place  Be honest AND compassionate

4. COURAGE WITHOUT COMPASSION

27 THE 7C LEADERSHIP COMPASS FOR MORAL AMBITION 2025 JONATHAN NORMAND. CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

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