Mariann Budde, Bishop of Washington, on leading with courage

"We are in an era of strategic silence-no longer in the age of the activist CEO. Instead, business leaders are being told to lie low and stay in their lane to avoid unwanted attention, including from the White House. In the wake of Jimmy Kimmel's removal from ABC, CEOs are reportedly turning down press and speaking opportunities. Today, leaders are faced with the question of when to speak up . . . and when to stay strategically silent in order to protect their constituents."

"Reverend Mariann Budde is an expert on speaking up. She was thrust into the national spotlight during President Trump's inauguration when she preached a sermon urging him to "have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now." In the weeks that followed, Budde was publicly criticized by President Trump, and received both hate mail-as well as an overwhelming amount of gratitude for speaking up. Budde believes bravery can be learned."

"Reverend Budde is the author of How We Learn to Be Brave, a book about what courage looks like in our lives, and how we can cultivate it. She'll be releasing an adaptation for younger readers, We Can Be Brave, in late October. Reverend Budde sat down with Fast Company to discuss how leaders should think about speaking up in an environment where doing so has very real consequences, including timing, protection of constituents, and handling aftermath."

Leaders are increasingly practicing strategic silence, avoiding press and public engagement to reduce unwanted attention and political risk. High-profile incidents, such as Jimmy Kimmel's removal from ABC, have prompted CEOs to decline speaking opportunities. Reverend Mariann Budde experienced intense public response after preaching for mercy at President Trump's inauguration, receiving both criticism and gratitude. Bravery is presented as a learnable skill, supported by the book How We Learn to Be Brave and a forthcoming children's adaptation. Practical guidance focuses on choosing the right time and place to speak and managing the consequences for constituents and personal reputation.

Read at Fast Company