The promise of most leaders is that they will stand up in the face of opposition. This requires being okay with confrontation and the awkward moments of a standoff. It is not about backbone or resolve, but standing up even if you will be knocked down. In business it can mean being a whistle blower. In everyday life it could be children asking for cookies before dinner knowing the answer is no. Sometimes leadership means making an unpopular decision and taking the consequences in stride. A great example is when Mr. Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee defended Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson was sure to be found guilty no matter the evidence. Would you take that case? Even though he was a small town lawyer, that kind of of leadership is rare.
