The Real Definition of Courage

Several years ago, while in the midst of working for one of the few difficult people in my life, I found myself in a recurring debate over the definition of courage.

"Morrie" was a fastidious man all the way and would take issue with me doing what I perceived was appropriate, when sometimes contrary to Company policy or procedure. He stuck strongly to the rules and wanted me to, as well as insisting that I get that from my people.

Being a strong-willed person (if you're a regular reader of my blog, you're not surprised), I always felt compelled to "do the right thing". This sometimes entailed making exceptions to the rules to achieve what I perceived to be the fairest or best outcome.

The outcome could be a subjective issue to Morrie and/or me, but to the person or customer involved, the perception ruled and, in fact I maintained, became the reality. Morrie insisted that rules were made for just these situations, and that it took courage to follow them ESPECIALLY when it was tempting to make an exception.

I debated that it was easy to fall back on some inflexible rule and cop out by saying "Company policy won't let me do what you want". Furthermore, it seemed to me much more difficult to do the right thing, especially when it meant bucking the system with an unpopular exception.

To this day I believe this, teach it, and do it, even when controversial.

What are your thoughts? What is your definition? Most importantly, when faced with a sticky problem you'd rather not handle, what do you actually do?