Why Lead?
Why Lead with Courage?
In today’s fast-paced, ultra-competitive, high-tech world of global business and instant gratification, many people get caught up in the need to be completely perfect and highly productive. As a result of their training or education, most people in positions of leadership and management are competent in their field, but too few have ever been trained, educated, or had sound experience in leadership.
True leadership requires courage in its application. Just because a person is in a position of leadership doesn’t mean he/she understands how to be a good leader. The feeling of bearing the responsibility for the accomplishment of the goals of one’s team without the capability to personally perform all of the tasks required can be daunting.
As a leader, you have the responsibility of accomplishing the job with your team, but you can not do the jobs of each of your team members. Your task is to use each team member in the best possible way to achieve the best performance and to orchestrate, motivate, and influence the entire team to achieve its best performance.
You may know how to do all of the individual tasks required of each of your team members, but they have to do them. It takes courage to support and guide the members of your team knowing that all failures are your responsibility.
Many leaders and managers assume that being a leader means that everyone else must serve the leaders needs and desires and carry out his or her orders, directives and programs. That may work in some situations; however, people don’t willingly, enthusiastically follow a poor leader (dictator).
People need understanding, guidance, clear communication, resources, support, training and motivation in an environment where they can be successful. These are the responsibility of the leader. It takes courage to give your team all of the above without being able to give up the responsibility.
“The buck stops here…” “Its lonely at the top…” are appropriate descriptions of a leader’s situation.
Courage is necessary to accept the awesome responsibility of leading people.
- You must be willing to listen to the failures of your people, to handle the bad news and still keep the team on course.
- You must stand up and speak out when you are right even though you may risk failure.
- You must be courageous to accept challenges, risk and fail, and pick yourself up and go after the rest of the challenge.
Life is a contact sport. Only the competitive participants achieve true victory. Spectators in life are not leaders. Leaders must have courage to compete, meet challenges and succeed while guiding, supporting and influencing their teams to victory.
reviews from our clients
This is what our clients have to say about us when asked about their experience
“LEAD with COURAGE assisted the Pacific NW Zone of 7-Eleven, Inc. by working closely with key members of our field operating team. By effectively combining group learning processes with one-on-one coaching sessions, Paul enhanced our team’s capacity to deal with difficult issues, manage change effectively, and build better influence skills. As a result of his work, the zone has enjoyed substantial growth in sales and profitability. LEAD with COURAGE helped our field leaders better understand how building better relationships could accelerate meeting our business objectives. Paul’s work helped catapult our Zone to the top of the performance charts in the 7-Eleven system.”
LAWRENCE HUGHES
Former Pacific Northwest Zone Leader, Now Vice President, Franchise Systems, 7-Eleven, Inc.
“Paul Roggenkamp teaches the missing element for success in today’s culture… Leadership. His superb leadership training changed my life and prepared me to be successful in every environment: government, industry, military, and in my personal life.”
MARK “SANDY” MORRISON
Lt Colonel, US Army Retired Project Director, Worldwide Support US Army Executive Simulation Training
“Currently as a Controls Project Engineer, I excel by applying the principles of caring for the people I lead, setting the expectations, communicating effectively and being courageous in adverse situations as the example for others to follow. I have used these principles in my career and in my personal life. LEAD with COURAGE is the best for anyone seeking to be a leader.”
OSCAR VAZQUEZ
Controls Project Engineer, Dematic, Inc.
“Your insight and coaching have enriched my life.”
H. LAINY BEITLER
Certified Business Consultant 7-Eleven, Inc.
“Paul Roggenkamp is a rare leader who leads by his professional behavior, commanding respect of others with his powerful, yet quiet demeanor. He is one of the most respected professionals with whom I have had the pleasure of working.”
RICHARD MUHLEBACH
International Speaker, Teacher & Author Former Sr Managing Director Kennedy Wilson NW
“As a Controls Project Engineer of Hispanic descent, I had expertise in my field, but no knowledge of what leadership was. Through the individual teaching and coaching of LEAD with COURAGE, I was able to move forward in my career and life with a leader’s mindset. I was personally taught and guided by Paul through 2 years of a Master’s degree program in the Management of Technology at the University of Minnesota, while also working part-time as an independent software designer and raising a family.”
OSCAR VAZQUEZ
Controls Project Engineer, Dematic, Inc.
“I am continually impressed with Paul’s determination… and his willingness to give of his time and effort to make opportunities possible for others. The emotional enthusiasm evident in his voice and his attitude that “no challenge is too big” combine to inspire those around him to believe that they can accomplish their goals.”
MARK RUSSO
Head Coach, WA Husky Gymnastics team Executive Director, Washington Mens Gymnastics Foundation
“If you are looking to bring yourself to a whole new level in the area of leadership, I personally recommend Paul R….The practical application of his teaching will be put to work immediately by your team to create a synergistic team approach to tackling even the toughest challenges. I cannot begin to express the respect and admiration our team has for this man and his program. Our company has created a Paul Roggenkamp Leadership Award presented annually to an employee whose leadership most exemplifies Paul’s standards. ”
BOB MOATE
Owner, Chief Executive Officer AC Moate Industries,Inc.
“Paul Roggenkamp, of LEAD with COURAGE is without peer in coaching and teaching leadership. His experience, diligence, care and patience in teaching the principles of leadership enable people to confidently approach life and career from the perspective of an effective leader.”
OSCAR VAZQUEZ
Controls Project Engineer, Dematic, Inc.
“Paul’s incorporation of personal experience brings his training to life for those attending. He has a passion for developing leaders and a sensitivity to people rarely found in the corporate world. I strongly recommend his leadership training.”
TIM DUST
General Manager AC Moate Industries, Inc.
“Thank you again, I really appreciate the insights and learnings that have come from each of our sessions…I’ll work daily to apply the lessons learned.”