January 13, 2025

Leadership is an Act of Courage

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better
– Maya Angelou

Contributed by Rachel Robertson, Chief Academic Officer, Bright Horizons.

In my 2020 article, “Learn from Everything: And Other Strategies for Courageous Leadership,” I write: “Being a courageous leader requires you to bravely face the grave reality, to marshal all of your resources, and willingly step forward into the unknown so you can do the hard things, go first, and be there to support, coach, empower and cheer on your team each step of the way.”

Written during the pandemic, these insights on courageous leadership still hold true today whether you have supervisory responsibilities, are in a visible position, or lead by example as a mentor and peer, or all of the above.

Leadership is an act of courage. Anyone who works in early childhood education surely understands the challenges of serving as any-of-the-above types of leaders, but hopefully also see the great privilege that comes with the work. Leading in a field with such purpose and impact, but also fraught with change and challenge requires a unique set of skills. ECE Leadership requires the ability to have a clearly defined set of goals and clear strategies to meet those goals. It requires both the tenacity to stay the course and flexibility to adjust to new circumstances. It requires the ability to balance everchanging priorities and realities. It requires perspective and compassion without crossing boundaries or neglecting self-care. It requires speaking up and articulating a strong passion and vision. It requires the patience to set-long term plans, the determination to see them through, and the optimism that they are possible. It requires advocacy for the team, the work, and the greater purpose. It requires resilience and a tolerance for change. It requires eager and innovate problem-solving. It requires the capacity to learn from mistakes, the willingness to try despite previous failed attempts, and the vulnerability to do so in front of others. It requires the willingness to make decisions and take action without guarantees. It requires the courage to not know all the answers, to not even feel all the confident, and the courage to do it anyway.