“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
– C. S. Lewis
We are compelled by the above quote from author C. S. Lewis. In Phi Gamma Delta we talk frequently about our values of friendship, knowledge, service, morality and excellence. But it is one thing to talk about values and another altogether to act on those values when they are tested. It is true in life and in fraternity that so many problems could be averted if someone – whether a formal leader or a bystander – had the courage to assert his values, or the group’s espoused values, at the testing point.
Each of us is certain to confront many testing points in our lives. Some will be minor decisions, while others will have a profound impact on us and on others. Likewise, chapter leaders will face many testing points that will impact the future of their chapter, their brothers, and sometimes the Fraternity at large.
Building Courageous Leaders means that our brothers will understand and embrace the values of Phi Gamma Delta; will recognize when those values are being challenged and understand the implications of a particular choice; and at that testing point, will know how to confront and lead others in an ethical, productive way.
We Have Identified Three Elements of Courageous Leadership:
- Understanding and committing to our values
- Recognizing the testing points – times when our values are challenged
- Applying our values at the testing point and confronting the issue
How Does Phi Gamma Delta Develop Courageous Leaders?
Educational Programming
These concepts are the cornerstone of Phi Gamma Delta’s New Model and Built to Lead programming.
Built to Lead is also built into many of the Fraternity’s educational programs, including the Academy, Hazing Prevention, Member Wellness Education and Risk Management Education, as well as chapter discipline, to name a few.
The Leadership Institute
The Leadership Institute is a leadership experience empowering brothers to work on real issues facing their personal lives, chapters and communities. The Institute works through those chapter issues that are incongruent with Phi Gamma Delta’s values and mission. The Institute is provided to attendees for, thanks to the generous support of the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation.
Recognizing Courageous Leaders
Do you know someone who made the choice to follow Phi Gamma Delta’s values instead of taking an easier path? Did they take a firm stand when confronted with a challenge? These are examples of Leading with Courage.
Phi Gamma Delta established the Courageous Leader Award (CLA) to recognize those who lead with courage, and it was awarded for the first time at the 2020 Academy. All brothers and friends of the Fraternity are eligible.
