Leadership is not a title. It’s not a noun. It’s a verb.

And verbs require action.

Yet look around—globally, nationally, locally, and probably in your own business—you’ll see hesitation where decisiveness is demanded. Wars rage. Economies wobble. Organizations face disruption and uncertainty. And too many leaders wait. They hedge. They hope problems resolve themselves.

But indecision is a decision—it’s just the worst one.

The Courage to Be Decisive

True leadership requires courage not only to stand tall, but to act. Decisions are never perfect, and often they come with risk. That’s the price of leadership.

The best leaders I’ve known—in the Marines, in the boardroom, and in life—understood this: decisiveness under adversity earns trust. People will forgive a leader who makes a tough call and adjusts later. They will not forgive one who stands frozen while the storm rages.

A Challenge to Those Who Call Themselves Leaders

If you wear the mantle of leadership, I ask you: when was the last time you made the hard decision, the one that scared you, the one that carried risk but was right for your people?

If you can’t answer, then you’re not leading. You’re holding a title.

Leadership is a verb. It is doing. It is acting. It is taking responsibility when others step back.

Dare to Decide

This is not about bravado. It’s about courage. The courage to take the step that others won’t. The courage to own the consequences.

The world doesn’t need more “leaders” in name only. It needs leaders who decide.

So, the question remains: are you willing to dare to decide?

Have a GREAT Week and Weekend!

Colonel John Boggs, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)