The Courage to Choose Greatness

In leadership and life, we often face a pivotal choice between comfortable mediocrity and risky excellence.

Historical Context: Jimmy Johnson, one of only three head coaches to win both a Super Bowl and NCAA Division I National Championship, spoke these words during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys (1989-1993). Having inherited a team that went 1-15 in his first season, Johnson faced immense pressure to play it safe. Instead, he made bold, controversial decisions, including trading star running back Herschel Walker, which ultimately led to building a dynasty. His quote captures the philosophical foundation that transformed the Cowboys from the NFL's worst team to back-to-back Super Bowl champions, demonstrating how calculated risks can lead to extraordinary results.

Leadership Principles:

• The Core Principle of Strategic Risk-Taking: Great leaders understand that meaningful achievement requires stepping beyond security. This manifests in:

  • Decision-Making: A CEO choosing to invest heavily in emerging technology despite short-term profit impacts

  • Team Development: A manager giving promising but inexperienced team members significant responsibilities to accelerate their growth

• The Principle of Intentional Discomfort: Growth occurs at the edge of our comfort zone. Examples include:

  • Public Speaking: An introverted leader volunteering for high-stakes presentations

  • Innovation: A department head championing unconventional solutions to persistent problems

Scripture Filter: This principle resonates deeply with Jesus's Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). In this story, two servants who took risks with their master's money were rewarded, while the one who played it safe by burying his talent was condemned. The scripture teaches that God expects us to be bold stewards of our gifts, not fearful guardians of the status quo. This aligns perfectly with Johnson's challenge, suggesting that playing it safe can be more dangerous than taking calculated risks for growth.

Experiential Wisdom: I worked with a mid-level manager who was comfortable in her role but sensed she was capable of more. Despite fears about failure, she accepted a challenging assignment leading a troubled division. The first six months were difficult, testing everything she knew about leadership. Through perseverance and embracing discomfort, she turned the division around. Her willingness to risk "good" for "great" transformed both her career and her confidence.

Reflection Questions:

• What "good" aspects of your current situation are actually holding you back from greatness?

• When was the last time you took a significant risk for growth? What did you learn?

• What specific area of your leadership would transform if you chose courage over comfort?

• What's the potential cost of playing it safe in your current role or business?

Invitation: Ready to explore what greatness looks like for your leadership journey? Let's have a powerful conversation about moving beyond "good" to truly exceptional results. Schedule your complimentary discovery call today.

Together, we'll identify the specific risks worth taking to achieve your next level of impact and success.