In the military, “key the mic” means pressing the button on a radio or communication device to transmit a message. This action opens the communication channel, allowing the person to speak and be heard by others on the same frequency. “Key the mic” can also indicate the moment when a team member steps up to speak, often sharing something that might be unpopular or risky. Doing this requires two critical qualities: courage and competency.

Courage empowers leaders to take calculated risks. Courage is required to stand before others, express your ideas, and take responsibility for the outcomes. Speaking up can be daunting, especially when addressing controversial or challenging topics. Courage equips leaders to confront their fears and take the necessary steps to communicate their message.

While courage gets you to the mic, competency ensures that what you say and how you say it is worth saying.

Competency encompasses knowledge, skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Leaders must have a deep understanding of their field and the issues at hand. This knowledge builds credibility and trust with their audience. How you convey your message matters. Competent leaders articulate their ideas clearly, concisely, and compellingly, ensuring their message is understood and remembered. Competency also involves understanding and managing emotions — both your own and those of others. This helps in delivering messages with empathy and sensitivity, fostering stronger connections.

“Key the mic” is more than just a call to speak; it’s a call to lead with courage and competency. By possessing the courage to speak AND the competency to deliver a message with impact, leaders can effectively inspire, influence, and drive positive change. Furthermore, when leaders demonstrate courage with competence, they inspire their team to do the same–thereby creating a culture of openness, innovation, and resilience.

Key the Mic: The Power of Courage and Competency in Leadership was originally published in Horizon Performance on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.