Monday Madness
- Tavia Robinson
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Monday Madness: When Leadership Calls for Courage
“What’s the point of having a voice if you’re going to be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?” — Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give
Before you read further, pause for a moment.
Take a deep breath in…
Exhale slowly…
Again… inhale…
Exhale…
One more time.
Now ask yourself:
How do those words resonate with you today?
In today’s complex and often politically charged environments, many leaders face moments when speaking up feels risky.
You might question:
• Will this be received well?
• Is this the right time?
• Could this create tension or professional consequences?
These questions are real. And valid.
Yet in leadership — silence also carries consequences.
Taking a Stand
take a stand (idiom)
To express one’s opinion and adopt a firm position about an issue.
Taking a stand — for yourself, for someone else, or for a greater cause — isn’t always easy.
It may challenge the status quo.
It may require courage when others remain quiet.
It may ask you to lead before anyone else does.
But here’s the deeper leadership question:
What’s the alternative?
Author Iyanla Vanzant reminds us in Acts of Faith:
“All that we ever need to be, to do, to know, to have is available. All we need to do is take a stand.”
From a Coaching Perspective
In my work with executives and leadership teams, I often explore this with clients:
How do you want to show up when leadership is required most?
Consider reflecting on these questions:
• When have you chosen silence when your voice might have made a difference?
• What values guide your willingness to speak up?
• What risks feel real — and which may simply be perceived?
• How can you create space for courageous conversations within your team?
• What example are you modeling for those who look to you for leadership?
These reflections often open the door to deeper awareness — and more intentional leadership.
Practical Strategies for Speaking Up
Psychologist and leadership expert Dr. Marcia Reynolds shares several practical ways to speak up effectively:
1. Speak from ownership.
Use “I” statements to express your perspective. Authentic leadership begins with personal accountability.
2. Provide context, not a lecture.
Briefly share the reasoning behind your perspective. Clarity builds credibility.
3. Paint the desired outcome.
Help others visualize the positive result if your idea or concern is addressed.
4. State expectations thoughtfully.
Demonstrate that you’ve considered impacts, risks, and possible next steps.
5. Compromise with intention.
Healthy dialogue often includes negotiation — just be mindful not to compromise what matters most to you.
Leadership Character Matters
Research from Harvard Business Impact highlights that leadership character — including courage, integrity, humility, and accountability — is foundational to strong organizations.
In other words:
Character drives culture.
Culture drives performance.
And culture shifts every time a leader decides whether to use their voice.
A Moment of Reflection
As Maya Angelou once wrote:
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
So I’ll leave you with this:
What stand might leadership be asking you to take this week?
You never know who is waiting for someone to go first.
Be intentional... Encourage dialogue... Lead with courage...
You’ve got this!
Coach Tavia. PCC, MSEd, MAT
One reminder for the week ahead:
Your voice may be the permission someone else needs to find their own.
References
Harvard Business Impact — The Case for Leadership Character
Reynolds, Marcia. How to Speak Up and Take a Stand. Psychology Today
Vanzant, Iyanla. Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color. Atria Books, New York, 2020.
#MondayMadness #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipCourage #SpeakUp #LeadershipMatters #PsychologicaSafety #AuthenticLeadership
Tavia Robinson
EMPOWER COACHING & CONSULTING, LLC
732.743.5012
You got this!
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