It sounds so simple. So easy. We're taught to do it from the time we are "forced" to share with other kids at pre-school. That same mantra flows through our formative years and into our working life.
When facing a difficult situation, just do the right thing. No problem, right? After all, we're leaders, so we always make the right decisions. (epic eye roll here)
But seriously, we do, don't we?
You always have the chance to do the right thing.
Not So Fast
I think we can agree that difficult decisions are not all the same. Some can be hurtful but necessary. Others will have a winner and a loser...and sometimes we can not avoid having someone lose.
We are even faced with decisions that may derail our own career temporarily because we can no longer support the behavior of the leaders in our organizations.
What often starts with so much promise...all of a sudden...isn't so clear.
Until the right thing comes undone.
Choices
As leaders we strive for many of the same things: for our teams to trust us, to be known as someone who makes "good" decisions even when they are the hard ones, and above all to be an example of how the work can be done well while still caring about people.
By the way, if these aren't at the top of your list, I'd love to hear what is.
When those difficult choices come up, the team is relying on us to do the right thing. We may be filled with doubt. We may be concerned about how our decision will "look" in the eyes of others. Even with our best intentions, it can be so confusing.
I look inside myself, is this the right thing?
How About You
They say that leadership is a lonely place. Take a deep breath...and accept that they're right.
Is this the right thing? I don't know.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuse.
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inspiration
I'm a big believer that leaders need to speak up. Not some of the time...not once in a while...but all the time. This is particularly important when someone is being attacked unfairly.
But it's politically treacherous, right?
...breath fast...
Get Me Out of Here
It often begins as a veiled attempt at humor. A sharp comment during a meeting that appears to be well-intended. But then it continues...and feels different when the next comment seems to get more serious.
The impact triggers the same set of emotions every time.
- awkwardness, nervous laughter, eyes darting around the room
- then, as the behavior continues, all eyes focus on their phones or the floor
You now sit quietly and feel as if you are stuck between the aggressor and the victim.
...no sound...I feel you near...
Time for Action
Allowing these behaviors to continue in your organization (or mine) is a catastrophic leadership failure.
There is no other way to describe it...hide it...or sweep it under the carpet.
If you believe the hours of wordsmithing you've done to build your values statement were worth it, then you have to live those values through action.
Even when senior leaders act like jerks.
...heart pounds...but nothing moves...
How About You
When was the last time you experienced one of these awkward moments? Did you stare at your shoes or check your email? Guess what? The person on the receiving end of the behavior was desperately hoping you would speak up.
Catatonic.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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For every time I didn't speak up...
shame.
For every time I didn't challenge the bigot...
shame.
For every time I had that sinking feeling in my stomach but remained still...
shame.
For every time a leader crossed the line and I looked away...
shame.
For every time the group went too far...
shame.
For every time I heard my conscience question, but I didn't answer...
shame.
And for everything I've learned from failing so long ago...
thank you. I am no longer silent.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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inspiration
