PITFALL
SCIENTIFIC BASIS
WARNING SIGNS
SOLUTIONS
Optimism bias Underestimating risks by excess confidence Courage vs. Recklessness Confusing calculated risk with imprudence Virtue signaling Displaying courage for image without real risk Low-cost courage Only taking a stand when it’s safe
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You take risks without analyzing the consequences You ignore the team’s warnings
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 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 Challenge directly AND show you care Criticize behavior, not person Choose the right time and place
1. RECKLESS COURAGE
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Pitfalls to avoid:
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You prioritize action over reflection Your “bold bets” regularly fail
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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
2. PERFORMATIVE COURAGE
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Courage
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!
Heroic leadership Taking all risks yourself Dependency effect Team waits for leader to be courageous
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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
3. COURAGE WITHOUT PRUDENCE
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Brutal frankness Using “courage” as excuse for cruelty Lack of emotional intelligence Being unaware of how your words resonate with others
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“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
4. COURAGE WITHOUT COMPASSION
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Be honest AND compassionate
28 © 2026 JONATHAN NORMAND. THIS WORK IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION NONCOMMERCIAL 4.0 INTERNATIONAL LICENSE (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Chapter 4
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