Courage Over Competence: Why Bravery Defines a Leader’s True Potential

When people think about leadership potential, competence is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Skills, expertise, and experience are the obvious indicators of readiness. While these are important, they are not the ultimate deciding factor in whether someone steps into impactful leadership. Courage often plays the bigger role.

Competence without courage can lead to safe, predictable performance. Courage without competence can be reckless. But when leaders must choose between the two in a given moment, courage is what moves them — and their organizations — forward. For emerging leaders, this means that bravery, not technical mastery, is often the first and most critical barrier to overcome.

The Story of Courage Taking the Lead

David had been a financial analyst for three years. He was thorough, accurate, and knowledgeable about his company’s data. But in meetings with senior leadership, he rarely spoke. When decisions were made that he felt were based on incomplete analysis, he would quietly voice concerns to his peers afterward, never to the decision makers directly.

One day, the company faced a high stakes investment decision. During the meeting, projections were being reviewed that David knew left out critical market data. His instinct was to remain silent, but he decided to speak up. His voice shook at first, but he explained the missing data and its potential impact.

The discussion shifted, new scenarios were considered, and the decision was delayed until the data was included. That moment marked a turning point in David’s career. His competence had been there all along, but it was his courage that made it matter.

The Nature of Courage Over Competence

Courage over competence is not about disregarding skill or preparation. It is about recognizing that many moments in leadership do not wait for perfect readiness. It is about acting despite uncertainty, stepping into the gap when something needs to be said or done, even if you are not the most qualified person in the room.

Courage over competence thrives in moments where:

• The Stakes Are High – There is potential for significant risk or reward

• The Outcome Is Uncertain – There is no guarantee that speaking up or acting will succeed

• The Timing Is Immediate – Waiting to “be more ready” would mean missing the opportunity entirely

In these moments, courage is the bridge between knowing and doing.

Why Courage Matters More for Emerging Leaders

Emerging leaders often underestimate their ability to contribute because they feel they lack the years of experience or advanced credentials of their peers. This can create hesitation, leading to missed opportunities to demonstrate leadership.

Courage matters more in the early stages because:

• It Signals Leadership Readiness – Leaders are often defined by their willingness to step forward, not just their ability to do the work

• It Builds Visibility – Courage puts your contributions into the conversation where they can be recognized

• It Encourages Others – When one person chooses to act bravely, it lowers the barrier for others to do the same

For emerging leaders, courage accelerates growth. It pushes you into situations where you must stretch, adapt, and learn — the very experiences that build competence over time.

Barriers to Choosing Courage Over Competence

If courage is so powerful, why do leaders hesitate to act? Common barriers include:

• Fear of Failure – Worrying that mistakes will harm your reputation or career

• Imposter Syndrome – Believing you are not experienced enough to have a valid voice

• Desire for Perfection – Waiting until your knowledge or plan feels flawless before acting

• Concern About Conflict – Avoiding situations that might create tension or disagreement

These barriers keep capable people silent and sidelined. Recognizing them allows you to intentionally push past them when the moment calls for courage.

Practical Moves to Prioritize Courage Over Competence

• Prepare for Imperfection – Accept that you will never have every answer before you act. Focus on what you know now and move forward

• Practice Speaking Early – In meetings, contribute before the conversation is winding down, so you build confidence in having your voice heard

• Frame Your Input as Contribution – Share ideas as additions to the discussion, not challenges to authority

• Take Small Brave Steps – Volunteer for a task slightly outside your comfort zone. Each act of courage builds a foundation for the next

• Seek Support After Acting – If you take a courageous step, follow up with allies or mentors for perspective and feedback

The Relationship Between Courage and Competence

Over time, courage and competence build each other. Acting with courage exposes you to situations that grow your skills. Growing your competence increases your confidence to act courageously.

The danger lies in waiting for competence to feel “complete” before showing courage. Leadership rarely gives that luxury. Courage is often the starting point that makes competence visible and valuable.

When Competence Should Take the Lead

There are situations where competence must come first. High risk technical decisions, safety critical actions, and specialized problem solving often require expertise as the primary driver. But even here, courage plays a role — the courage to admit when you do not know enough, to ask for help, or to bring in the right people.

The Ripple Effect of Courage Over Competence

Choosing courage over competence creates a culture of action. It shows your team that progress is more important than perfection, and that leadership is accessible to anyone willing to step forward. Over time, this creates a workplace where people speak up sooner, solve problems faster, and innovate more freely.

Questions for Reflection

Where in your work have you been waiting for more competence before acting?What is one small act of courage you can take this week, even if you do not feel fully ready?How might your growth accelerate if you chose courage 10 percent more often?

Actionable Exercise

This week, identify one situation where you feel underqualified to contribute. Instead of stepping back, find one meaningful way to participate — ask a question, share an observation, or suggest a next step. Reflect afterward on how it felt and what impact it had.

Closing Thoughts

Competence is a powerful leadership asset, but courage is what puts it into play. For emerging leaders, the fastest way to grow is to stop waiting for perfect readiness and start stepping into opportunities with the bravery you have today. Courage opens the door for your competence to be seen, trusted, and valued.