This is the number 1 character trait you need to succeed, according to a Harvard Business School professor

Some of the biggest leaders, thinkers and cultural icons have one character trait in common. And that’s courage. What does courage have to do when it comes to achieving your goals, you ask? Well, everything, according to Ranjay Gulati, a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and the author of Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies. If you choose to pursue a career in business and experience moments that will test you, the one quality you will need more than any other is courage. In his blog for the Harvard Business Review, Gulati wrote, “I talked to over a dozen business executives who faced situations like these – decisions that had them poised over an abyss of uncertainty. Without exception, they all had to confront their fears and use courage to take a leap of faith toward what they believed was the right decision on the other side.”

Courage as a character trait is the cornerstone of success in any field, but even more so in business. It’s the trait that enables individuals to face uncertainty, take calculated risks, and stand by their convictions even in the face of adversity. It is the one thing that empowers leaders to make difficult decisions, whether it’s entering new markets, innovating under pressure, or upholding ethical standards despite external pressures. As Winston Churchill once said: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Courage for success

Truth be told, without courage, other qualities like intelligence, creativity, or ambition can fall short, as they require the backbone of bravery to be effectively put into action. In essence, courage is what transforms potential into achievement, making it the number one character trait essential for success. To quote the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

But when it comes to your professional success, courage isn’t just about taking bold actions; it’s about making informed, ethical decisions that align with one’s core beliefs and long-term goals. You also need to be aware of the consequences and purpose behind decisions rather than acting impulsively, and learn to distinguish between reckless behaviour and true courage, which involves overcoming fear and uncertainty when it truly matters. “I think one of the most important things that courage can give to any businessperson is the ability to withstand the pressure to do something that is unwise, unethical or even illegal in the name of selfishness, short-term gain and greed,” Gulati wrote.

How to add courage to your skill set?

1. Start small
Building courage as a skill is a gradual process that requires deliberate effort and a shift in mindset. Start by taking small, calculated risks in everyday situations, like speaking up in a meeting or trying something new. These small acts build confidence and resilience over time. As award-winning American actress, playwright and screenwriter Ruth Gordon once said, “Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use.”

2. Don’t fear failure

Mistakes are nature’s way of handing out free lessons. Ground yourself in your values; they’re your personal North Star for courageous action. Goals should be your adrenaline driving force, pushing you out of the comfort zone and into the thrill of uncertainty.

3. Find your purpose

Another point that Gulati makes in his blog is how purpose and courage go hand-in-hand, conquering the fear and uncertainty that are inevitable in any person’s life. To simplify this statement, purpose provides the direction and meaning behind actions, while courage empowers individuals to pursue that purpose despite challenges and fears. When driven by a clear purpose, courage becomes the force that propels individuals to take bold steps, make difficult decisions, and stay committed to their values.

4. Find your support system

Building a strong support network of individuals who inspire and uplift you is so important and underrated when it comes to achieving your goals. These supportive relationships provide a crucial foundation, offering encouragement, motivation, and reassurance as you navigate challenges and make bold decisions.

5. Get inspired

Seeking out stories of others who have shown courage can serve as inspiration, demonstrating that courageous actions often lead to meaningful rewards and growth. Over time, these practices will help you build the courage needed to tackle challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.