Leaders are courageous. They are not bound by what people think of them, what they say about them, what they expect of them. Leaders evaluate, analyze and take their own steps. As the phrase goes: ‘lead by example’.
They take risks, encourage risks taking behavior in their teams and reward outcomes.
Leaders would do the ‘right thing’ according to them even if it involves going against the tide, against organizational politics.
They would plan moves, execute projects, build relationships which a normal person might simply think unimaginable or too ambitious.
They have the courage to envision the impossible (in the current context).
Courage is always evident from their speeches, talks and usual behavior. They build stories around courage to motivate and inspire their teams.
The more you conquer fear, more courageous you would become which is a central trait of leaders.