Developing a resilient and results-driven workplace means cultivating an atmosphere where people feel secure enough to take risks, speak up, and support one another through challenges.
Psychological safety places a great part in this. We know that psychological safety is the belief that we can share our ideas, concerns, and mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation. When employees feel psychologically safe, they contribute more effectively, drive innovation, and create a high-performing culture.
Why Courage Matters in the Workplace
But creating this kind of environment doesn’t happen automatically nor without effort. It requires courageous thoughts, beliefs and actions.
We often think about courage being about physical bravery like what our first responders do, but in a professional setting, courage comes in many shapes and sizes - social, moral, emotional, and intellectual. Each of these types of courage plays a crucial role in shaping a psychologically safe workplace.
Let’s explore how these types of courage do this.
1. Social Courage
Social courage means standing by your ideas and values, even when they are unpopular. It’s easy to go along with the majority, but true leadership emerges when individuals are willing to respectfully challenge the norm.
A fantastic example of social courage is Magda Szubanski. Many know her as the beloved Sharon from Kath & Kim, but during Australia’s same-sex marriage debate, she displayed extraordinary social courage. By speaking out despite the risks, she helped drive a national movement towards equality.
When people feel safe to express their views without fear of rejection or being ostracised, diverse perspectives emerge, leading to richer discussions and innovative solutions. A culture that encourages respectful debate strengthens team collaboration and problem-solving.
On a scale of 1 to 5, where do you place yourself in terms of social courage? Are you more of a people-pleaser (like me!), or do you confidently voice your thoughts? Recognising this can help you find ways to build confidence in expressing your perspectives.
2. Moral Courage
Moral courage is the ability to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. It involves taking action based on our values rather than remaining passive. A prime example of moral courage is former Chief of Army David Morrison, whose famous speech “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept” sent a strong message about integrity and accountability in leadership.
When individuals take a stand for ethical behaviour, it signals to others that integrity is valued. This creates an environment where employees feel safe to voice concerns about unethical practices without fear of retaliation.
Who in your workplace has demonstrated moral courage recently? Recognising and celebrating these individuals reinforces a culture of ethical leadership and accountability.
In a briefing call with a CEO for an upcoming conference I was speaking at, she shared with me how the leaders in her inner circle decided not to sign a very profitable contract with a tech company because that company’s values on single-use plastics and waste were in opposition to theirs. This CEO’s organisation walked its talk and were very high on the moral courage scale.
3. Emotional Courage
Emotional courage involves embracing vulnerability and acknowledging our feelings, even in a professional setting. Historically, workplaces have admired stoicism, but today, emotional courage is a strength. Being open about struggles, admitting when we need support, and encouraging honest conversations leads to stronger, more resilient teams.
Dylan Alcott, Australian Paralympian and advocate, is a brilliant example. By openly sharing his journey about his struggles with self-acceptance, mental health, and societal norms, he has broken down barriers and paved the way for greater inclusion. I have had the pleasure of meeting Dylan when we were speaking at a conference together in Nashville, Tennessee. I can personally vouch for the fact, that this incredible human is emotionally courageous. (NB: I’ve been a fangirl of him for years so I am also VERY biased )
Many of us struggle with emotional courage—after all, admitting vulnerability can be daunting. But in reality, it helps create deeper workplace connections and understanding among colleagues. Who is it at work that you feel you can be emotionally courageous with?
Recently, during one of my masterclasses with a Strata Management organisation, they were having a laugh about how there are a lot of ‘over-sharers’ in their business. What we talked about though was to reframe this and say that it was an emotionally courageous workplace. We decided that this was a great USP for the business and it would help to attract and retain the right people.
When leaders and employees embrace emotional courage, they create a workplace where people feel safe to be authentic. This openness strengthens relationships, encourages honest communication, and leads to a more connected and resilient team.
4. Intellectual Courage
Intellectual courage is about challenging norms, questioning assumptions, and adapting when necessary. It’s the willingness to explore new ideas, even when they contradict existing beliefs.
In the workplace, intellectual courage means being open to feedback, being willing to reconsider viewpoints, and embrace change rather than resisting it.
When employees feel encouraged to challenge outdated processes and propose new ideas, innovation flourishes. An environment that values curiosity and learning ensures people are not afraid to voice their insights or question ineffective practices.
A standout example is Amal Clooney, the international human rights lawyer. Throughout her career, she has fearlessly taken on high-profile and often controversial cases, advocating for justice in the face of political and legal opposition. In representing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, a Yazidi human rights activist, Clooney took an unconventional approach to prosecute ISIS members for genocide. Knowing Iraq lacked laws to address these crimes, she worked with international courts to ensure justice was served. Her ability to challenge traditional legal avenues demonstrates exceptional intellectual courage.
Another example of intellectual courage is Taylor Swift. Initially, she worked within the traditional music industry structure, but when she lost control of her masters, she pivoted—re-recording her albums to reclaim ownership. Her ability to challenge industry norms and innovate set a new precedent for artist rights.
Harnessing Courage for a More Resilient Workplace
Think about these four types of courage—social, moral, emotional, and intellectual. Which one comes most naturally to you? No single type is superior, and workplaces thrive when they have a diverse mix of courageous individuals who bring their unique strengths, experiences and passions.
As author Mary Anne Radmacher beautifully puts it, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, I’ll try again tomorrow” Sometimes, the courage we see in workplaces is a quiet strength—the willingness to show up, speak up, and stand by what matters.
A psychologically safe workplace isn’t built overnight, but with courage and a commitment from every team member, it becomes a reality. So, how will you bring more courage into your workplace today?
This topic of workplace courage and its role in creating a psychologically safe organisation is an important component of my Professional Resilience program. If you would like to have a conversation how this program creates high-performing professionals, proactive teams and a results-driven culture, please reach out. You can book a conversation here.
