During my career, I have attended a number of leadership sessions where one of the tips of being an effective leader is to know oneself and to exercise self monitoring.

Recently I was involved in an exercise where I was tasked to obtain stories from people who know me, regarding what they thought my strengths were.

It was a humbling experience that brought me to introspect on the qualities my colleagues said I had.

One of the words that was widely used was the word “courageous”.

I began interrogating this with the hope that I could get a self assurance that it was indeed a reflection of one of my strengths.
I asked myself repeatedly, “why do my friends think I am courageous?”

After a few days, I recalled an incident when I was in 12th grade. I was a senior prefect at the school and took the privilege of leadership at that level very seriously.

It once came to my attention that a number of students were unhappy with certain processes and happenings at the school but were just whispering in their rooms and corridors, probably for fear of being singled out as trouble makers.

Knowing about the complaints and the prospect that the school administration may not get an opportunity to address them for lack of information did not sit well with me. I believed that an amicable solution to the issues could be reached, if only the school administration was aware that there was a problem or potential problem.

I decided that the best way was to have a discussion with the Principal…The thought of it gave me a chill down my spine!

After a few days, I convinced myself that I was under a duty to assist the school administration with the information and nervously took a walk to the Principal’s office, practicing my speeches, both to his Secretary and himself, all the way there.

I explained that I was requesting for an appointment with the Principal to discuss certain matters affecting my duties and guess what, I was given the appointment!

The principal welcomed me and I began sharing with him the situation and why I thought I should see him about it.

He listened intently and observed my conduct.
He asked me what I thought the solutions to the issues I raised were and I gladly shared with him.

The Principal expressed his views and thanked me for having the courage to meet him because some of my concerns amounted to questioning certain processes. Whereas we didn’t agree or disagree on everything, It was a progressive meeting! Clarity was obtained on various issues and solutions seemed to be in sight.

At the next assembly, the Principal narrated the experience he had with me to the school while concealing my identity and highlighted how progressive the engagement was.

That experience was my stepping stone for building my character when it came to courage.

What is your early stages story and how has it impacted your qualities?