Maintain Your Integrity When Making Tough Decisions
Every leader faces complex, subjective decisions, such as who to promote into a critical role, whether to do layoffs during a downturn, or how to handle employee misconduct. When there are no easy answers, one option is to consider the problem along three dimensions: the ethics (what is viewed as acceptable in your organization or society), morals (your internal sense of right and wrong), and the responsibilities associated with your specific role. Thoroughly interrogating the problem and possible solutions in this way will help you come to a decision and clearly articulate your reasoning. Start by clarifying your personal worldview: What do you stand for, and does that align with what your organization stands for? Next, ask yourself if there’s a path forward that aligns along all three dimensions. If so, great. If not, what are you willing to compromise? Once you’ve made the tough call, do some self-reflection. Which values did you give precedence to? Why? And at whose expense? This kind of soul-searching is challenging, but it will also prepare you for the next hard decision you face.
“A Framework for Leaders Facing Difficult Decisions,” by Eric Pliner