Credit union leaders and bravery: A rare combination

What does it mean to be brave? Many people consider bravery an act of courage, often in the face of physical danger.

At some point, almost all credit union leaders will confront financial, personnel, and political challenges. Facing up to these, in most cases, is just part of the job. Cooperative bravery I believe entails a very different character.

Aristotle believed that bravery was the highest of all virtues because it guaranteed all the others. “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self. You will never do anything in this world without courage.”

Following the “path of least resistance”

Bravery is rarely cited in conjunction with credit union activities. Cooperative culture is based on relationships. Differences of opinion, whether major or minor, are resolved by following the path of least resistance.

 

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