Standalone Essays · Triad of Stewardship

Boldness: Decisive Action Without Recklessness

The Compass implies that you should trust your judgment on an issue and act accordingly, regardless of what others think. That raises an immediate question: what is the difference between being bold and being reckless? The two might seem superficially similar, but they are actually quite different in terms of motivation, risk assessment, and potential consequences.

Boldness is characterized by courage in the face of adversity or uncertainty. It involves taking a calculated risk after carefully considering the potential outcomes and being willing to accept responsibility for the consequences. Bold actions are often driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult. Recklessness, on the other hand, involves taking unnecessary or excessive risks without fully considering the potential consequences. Reckless actions are often impulsive, driven by a desire for excitement, attention, or self-gratification. Unlike bold actions, reckless actions often have negative consequences for the individual and others involved. The key difference lies in the level of thought, preparation, and consideration given to the potential risks and consequences. Being bold means acting with confidence and conviction; being reckless means acting without regard for the consequences.

If boldness means trusting your own judgment, it is worth asking what is lost when judgment is outsourced. “Leadership by committee” or “leadership by poll” carries real dangers. Decision-making slows down, because the process is bogged down by the need for extensive discussion, deliberation, and consensus-building; in situations where quick action is required, this can be a major drawback. Responsibility diffuses, because when decisions are made collectively it is difficult to hold individuals accountable, leading to a lack of ownership of the process. Groupthink sets in, as members conform to the dominant viewpoint rather than thinking independently, producing poor decisions and a lack of diversity of thought. And political maneuvering takes hold, as members prioritize their own interests or agendas over the good of the group or organization.

The opposite failure is just as real. Acting without seeking consensus or consulting counsel presents its own dangers. You lose access to diverse perspectives and expertise that could improve the decision. You risk overconfidence, becoming too sure of your own abilities and judgment, which leads to poor decisions or risky behavior. You can alienate stakeholders, breeding feelings of disenfranchisement that damage relationships and undermine support for the decision-maker. And you lose accountability, because acting unilaterally removes the external check on your decision-making process. Consensus-based decision-making can be slow and cumbersome, but acting without consulting others carries significant risks of its own. Finding the right balance between these two approaches is key to effective leadership.

That balance also applies inwardly, to the management of one’s own feelings. I advise against acting on wavering feelings, but then throwing yourself wholeheartedly at a task once the feelings have gelled. Making significant life choices based solely on partial or wavering feelings can lead to impulsive decisions that may not be in one’s best interest in the long run. It’s important to acknowledge and explore these feelings, but also to approach them with a healthy degree of skepticism and rational thinking. However, once a decision becomes clear and the feelings are no longer wavering, it’s essential to commit fully to the task at hand. This kind of decisive action demonstrates self-confidence, determination, and a willingness to take responsibility for one’s choices. It also helps to avoid the pitfalls of indecision, such as missed opportunities or prolonged stress and anxiety. The advice is meant to strike a balance between thoughtful consideration and decisive action, both of which are crucial components of effective decision-making.

When decisive action goes wrong, the Compass teaches that you should not “waste too much time on regret.” Rather, you should learn from your mistake and take steps not to repeat it. This is not the same as “non, je ne regrette rien” — it is not a demand that you act as though you never make mistakes. The Compass’s advice on regret is more nuanced than a simple “no regrets” attitude. It acknowledges that mistakes are a natural part of life, and that dwelling on them excessively is counterproductive. Instead, the focus should be on learning from mistakes, making amends if necessary, and applying those lessons to avoid repeating the same errors. This differs from a posture that implies a lack of remorse or acknowledgment of mistakes. The Compass encourages self-reflection and growth, rather than denial or dismissal of errors. By learning from mistakes and taking steps to improve, individuals can continue to evolve and become better versions of themselves, without being weighed down by excessive regret or self-recrimination.

Finally, it is worth distinguishing boldness from courage, since this section has been about the former. The two are closely related, but there are subtle differences in meaning and application. Boldness typically refers to a willingness to take risks, act decisively, and stand up for one’s beliefs or values. It can involve speaking out against injustice, pursuing innovative ideas, or taking decisive action in a crisis, and it is often associated with self-confidence, assertiveness, and a strong sense of purpose. Courage, on the other hand, is the ability to face fear, danger, or adversity with strength and resilience. It can involve physical bravery, such as facing a dangerous situation, or emotional bravery, such as standing up to bullying or speaking out against popular opinion. Courage is often associated with perseverance, determination, and the willingness to endure hardship for the sake of a greater good.

Part of the Triad of Stewardship’s Standalone Essays. Companion pieces: Forgiveness and Its Limits (forthcoming) · The Mandates of Conflict · Criminal Justice.