The idea of a “fearless organization” is not only a myth, but it’s also dangerous. Fearlessness is the polished surface we show the world when we’re desperate to hide the mess underneath. It’s a lie.

Fearlessness isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the absence of truth.

When organizations push this narrative, they perpetuate the old-school story of the heroic leader—the lone wolf, the Great Man charging forward, never hesitating, never flinching. But what they’re really creating is a culture of silence and shame.

People don’t stop feeling fear just because someone slaps the word “fearless” on a mission statement. They just stop showing it.

And here’s the problem: when people hide their fear, they also hide their ideas, their questions, their doubts, and their creativity.

Courage isn’t about being fearless. The difference between fearlessness and courage is vulnerability.

• Fearlessness says, “I have no fear.”

• Courage says, “I have fear, and I’m showing up regardless.”

Courage is messy, raw, and deeply human. It invites others to be human too. Fearlessness, on the other hand, is isolating. It’s sterile. It’s fake.

When leaders strive for fearlessness, they set the tone for a culture of perfectionism and posturing. People start to believe that fear equals weakness, and so they hide. Fear becomes shame. And shame is kryptonite to trust, creativity, and belonging.

Let’s call this out for what it is: a story we tell to avoid doing the hard work of fostering courage, psychological safety, and inclusion.

I’d like to invite you to reflect on the following prompts. Take your time and if you feel like write down your answers.

1. When was the last time you hid fear in a professional setting? What did you sacrifice by not sharing it? What would have been different if you’d chosen courage instead?

2. Think of a leader you admire. Do you admire them because they seemed fearless—or because they were brave enough to be vulnerable?

3. How does the expectation of fearlessness show up in your workplace? How might it be silencing important voices or stifling innovation?

This poem an Ode to Courage is for all of those tired of fearless organitazions!

Fear knocks loud at the door,

its echo ricochets in our ribs.

We silence it with “fearless,”

the lie we tell when we’re too afraid

to admit we’re afraid.

But courage—it whispers.

It steps forward, trembling.

It says,

“I see you, Fear.

You’re here, but you’re not in charge.”

Courage wears no armor.

It invites the mess, the humanity,

the truth of showing up anyway.

Fearlessness builds walls.

Courage builds bridges.

(More poems in Defiance of What Rules Us here.)

Please stop striving for fearlessness. It’s not real, and it’s not helpful. Instead, let’s do the brave work of creating brave spaces—places where fear can show up but doesn’t get the final say.

Fearlessness is a façade. Courage is a practice. Let’s choose courage.

We need leaders who aren’t afraid to admit they’re afraid. Leaders who model vulnerability and invite others to do the same. Leaders who understand that courage isn’t a polished performance; it’s a practice.

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