Courageous business leaders surround themselves with diverse thinkers from different backgrounds and allow all of their people to bring their authentic, whole selves to work. These leaders understand the value of establishing formal processes to solicit and incorporate input and feedback from people at all levels of their organizations.

Courageous businesses take actions that generate positive, long-term impacts for their firms, their people and, ultimately, their country. They'll often defer short-term gains in order to ensure long-term success, and place greater value on non-monetary organizational goals.

Courageous businesses use thorough, rational analysis grounded in data to develop new ideas, investments and innovations both adjacent and transformational to current business. They use analysis to see opportunities where others see challenges or unchangeable customs.

Courageous companies and business leaders articulate points of view that may run counter to convention. They are more likely to embrace disruption—and even actively pursue it. Courageous businesses are more likely to defy industry norms or existing practices even in the face of outside criticism.

Courageous business leaders are guided by their passion and are more likely to be perceived as authentic. They refuse to put off important but challenging decisions, knowing the power of individual action and the example it can set. These leaders are more likely to take personal accountability for organizational failures—and share the credit for the company's successes.