Why are "brave people" at an advantage in today's world? Have you ever felt that the world is spinning faster these days and the economy is unpredictable? In such situations, most leaders or workers tend to experience a "freeze" response, hesitating to make decisions, while some choose to "retreat" to protect themselves.

But believe it or not, research on over 4,700 large companies reveals a shocking truth: "Fortune favors the brave"! Only about 9% of companies emerged from crises stronger than before because they didn’t just cut costs; they dared to "invest for growth" against the tide.

Courage is not an innate talent; it is a "skill" that we can all cultivate. Here are 5 secret strategies from Harvard that will transform you into a courageous person.

5 Strategies to Build Courage (The Courage Playbook)

1. Create a Positive Narrative

The stories we tell ourselves greatly influence our courage. Try these methods:

  • Go risk hunting: Don’t shy away from problems; view risks as manageable. Larry Fink from BlackRock looks for opportunities amidst chaos, enabling him to make bold investment decisions.

    <\/li>

  • Find a moral quest: When we act for "values" or what is right, we become braver instantly. For instance, Frances Haugen bravely exposed Facebook due to concerns for teenagers' safety, or CVS, which courageously stopped selling cigarettes despite significant revenue loss for the sake of customer health.

    <\/li>

  • Call upon your faith: Whether it’s religion or belief in fate, these can help calm your mind. Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo) relied on her faith to navigate through crises.

    <\/li>

2. Cultivate Confidence

Confidence comes from truly "knowing" what you are doing:

  • Train deliberately: Practice hard until it becomes second nature, like Captain Sully, who landed a plane on the Hudson River because he prepared for that moment his entire life.

    <\/li>

  • Focus on what’s in your control: Don’t worry about outcomes that haven’t happened yet; concentrate on the "process" and "preparation," just like athletes focus on their game plan rather than the scoreboard.

    <\/li>

3. Take Small Steps

Courage doesn’t mean making a giant leap; it’s about gradually moving forward:

  • Evaluate objectively: Don’t panic; take a moment to ask yourself, "What’s happening right now?" and "Who can help us?"

  • Interpret in motion: Try small actions that allow for reversibility (two-way doors) to see the results, then adjust your plan, just like the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant team, which solved problems piece by piece to avert disaster.

    <\/li>

4. Find Connection

There are no solo heroes; courage is a team sport:

  • Turn to allies: Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and you will believe in yourself. Leena Nair (CEO of Chanel) found encouragement from her family and mentors, which gave her the courage to take on a significant role.

    <\/li>

  • Accept feedback: Seek out those who will tell you the truth, not just praise you, so you can identify blind spots and feel more confident in your decisions.

    <\/li>

5. Stay Calm

Finally, manage your emotions to maintain composure:

  • Practice self-care: Eating well and getting enough sleep are fundamental. You can’t make good decisions if your mind is fatigued.

    <\/li>

  • Embrace rituals: Small, repetitive activities can help reduce anxiety. For example, Steve Jobs would ask himself questions in the mirror every morning, while others might simply pray or meditate.

    <\/li>

  • Reframe: View crises as opportunities or maintain a positive outlook grounded in reality.

    <\/li>

Courage is not recklessness; it is the most essential skill in today’s era. Whether you are a leader, an employee, or anyone else, you can practice these 5 points to "upgrade" yourself immediately.

Start cultivating courage today because this world favors the brave!

Source: Gulati, R. (2025). Now Is the Time for Courage. Harvard Business Review, September-October 2025. Reprint R2505C.