HBR IdeaCast How to Lead with Courage in Chaotic Times
336 snips
Sep 30, 2025 
Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor and author, explores the vital role of courage in today's business landscape. He defines courage as taking action amidst fear and uncertainty. Drawing from his research, he discusses strategies that leaders can use to cultivate courage, such as creating a positive narrative, building self-confidence, and embracing small steps for learning. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and emotional regulation, while also warning against the fine line between courage and recklessness.
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Choosing a Hard Turnaround Role
- Mike Mahoney took on Boston Scientific despite advisers telling him not to.
- He still accepted the job and later led a dramatic turnaround through bold actions.
Build A Purposeful Narrative
- Define a clear narrative about who you are and why you exist before acting.
- Use that story to make courage a deliberate, repeatable choice under pressure.
Cultivate Both Competence And Can-Do
- Build both domain-specific skills and a generalized can-do spirit.
- Cultivate growth and improvisation so teams can adapt when information is incomplete.
