Facing down your leadership battles (3 lessons for standing firm)

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THE ART & SCIENCE OF LEADING SELF
The Power of Standing Firm

My friend, I've recently been conversing with leaders across industries who are grappling with a crucial question: What's the “right posture” to take amid what feels like an onslaught of uncertainty, increasing complexity, and (in some instances) ever-present danger to their employees, business interests, and customers?

Your posture as a leader is shaped by your mindset. The beliefs that shape that mindset determine what you're modeling for your organization.

This made me think about a television scene that has sparked my repeated reflection over the years: Jon Snow as he faced down the charge of Ramsay's army in Game of Thrones.

Picture this: Jon's army is smaller than Ramsay's, and he's just fallen for Ramsay's psychological warfare. Watching his brother Rickon killed mere feet away, Jon allows emotion to drive him forward alone. His horse falls to archer fire. Now he stands alone, on foot, facing a charging mounted army.

What happens next defines leadership courage: Jon draws his sword and stands his ground. This isn't reckless bravery or having no options. It's deliberate courage, shaped by 3 core beliefs.

Let’s dig in. 🥣

1. His duty is greater than his life 🛡️

The Night's Watch vow to be "the shield that guards the realms of men" shaped his fundamental understanding of leadership responsibility. Even after leaving the Watch, his belief in duty before self remains.

2. “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword”🗡️

His father, Ned Stark, taught him this at a young age. This wasn't just about justice. It was about the power of leadership presence in crucial moments.

3. His men need him to stand strong 💪

This third belief is what truly transformed that moment. Jon’s time with the Wildlings (who operated beyond the Wall) taught him that leaders don’t send men to die; they fight alongside them.

That day, when Jon initially stands alone, his men don't flee—they follow him. His courage awakens theirs. His conviction to stand firm creates a moment of unity that alters the course of that battle.

🤔 What does this have to do with you and the headwinds you are currently facing as a leader? Here are 3 actionable insights:

1. Leadership is Not About You. It's About What You Ignite in Others. 

Read that again. 👆🏽 Jon's courage wasn't for show. It was embodied leadership of his people. When you embody resilience, you don't just reassure your team. You activate their strength. Your stand can awaken courage throughout your organization.

2. Uncertainty is the Battlefield. Your Mindset is the Weapon. 🔥

Jon didn't control Ramsay's cavalry charge. He directed his attention towards what he could control: his response.

In unstable times, you can't predict every crisis, but you can develop your capacity to respond with clarity and conviction. This starts with gaining clarity about the beliefs you hold. They are shaping your interpretations and decision making, so it’s critical to deepen your awareness of them.

3. A Moment of Courage Can Shift the Whole Tide.

Jon's decision to stand alone changed everything—it rallied his men and created the opening for victory. Sometimes, one visible act of resolve, integrity, or boldness can reshape an entire organization's trajectory.

👉🏽 As you face your own cavalry charge of challenges, what beliefs empower you to draw your sword and stand your ground?

FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION
Putting It Into Practice

Your Leadership Stand Practice

1. Choose one significant challenge you're currently facing

2. Take 10 minutes to reflect on these questions:

   • What do I believe about my role as a leader in this moment?

   • How might standing firm here inspire others?

   • What values or principles make backing down impossible?

DEEPENING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Resources for You

 🧠 Want to understand what sets decisive leaders apart? This HBR deep dive reveals key insights. (Link)

🎥 This powerful TED Talk reshapes how we think about leadership courage. (Link)

🔍 Want to understand the neuroscience of crisis leadership? This research-backed guide shows you how. (Link)

📖 Ready for a comprehensive look at leading under pressure? This book provides the framework. (Link)

💡 Ready to explore why people follow courageous leaders? This analysis provides fascinating answers. (Link)

📚 Looking for science-backed insights on influence and courage? This book breaks it down. (Link)

EXCELLENCE UNBOUNDED
How I Can Help You

 Misalignment or Alignment? 5 Clues Reveal the Truth:

✅ Decisions Keep Coming Back to You as the CEO
✅ The Same Conversations Keep Happening Without Real Decisions
✅ Your Leadership Team Operates in Silos
✅ Your Best People Seem Frustrated or Disengaged
✅ You Have a Strategy, But Execution Keeps Stalling

Book a call to learn more about The Executive Alignment Playbook 🚀.

Realign your leadership team. Accelerate execution. Drive measurable results.

🎤 Speaking Engagements: My mom can attest to the fact that I LOVE to talk. 😂 Now, I put that talent to work delivering talks on Mindset, Courage, Resilience, & Innovation.

A few past clients include KraftHeinz, Amazon Women @ Payments, PAHEi, & the Panamá Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (I delivered this talk in Spanish).

If you are interested in having me speak at your event, please fill out this form.

Until next Sunday,

Shawnette