Good and Formidable: Why Leadership Demands More Than Good Intentions

Good and Formidable: Why Leadership Demands More Than Good Intentions

There’s a lot of talk today about being kind, ethical, or simply being a “good person.” And that matters.

But let’s be honest: being good isn’t enough.

When it comes to leadership, character without capability is incomplete.
The world doesn’t just need good people—it needs good people who are formidable.

That means being morally grounded and strong enough to act when it counts.
To speak truth when it’s uncomfortable.
To stand firm when values are challenged.
To do what’s right—especially when it’s hard.

“Be someone who is good—and formidable.
Someone with the strength to act on what’s right and confront what’s wrong.”

Formidable doesn’t mean loud or aggressive.
It means resilient, prepared, and steady.
It means having the discipline and clarity to do what needs to be done, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Good intentions are a great starting point. But good intentions don’t create change—execution does.

Ask Yourself:

• Are you capable of protecting what’s good when it’s under pressure?
• Do you have the strength to act on your values, not just speak them?
• Are you building the character and discipline to lead when it’s inconvenient?

The bar for leadership isn’t just to be good.
It’s to be good and capable.
Good and courageous.
Good and formidable.

Because in the moments that matter, it’s not enough to know what’s right.
You need the strength to carry it out.

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