In leadership, not every decision you enforce will align with your personal values. Whether it’s a new workplace policy, a shift in law, or a change in direction, sometimes leaders are tasked with promoting or enforcing rules they had no hand in creating and may not fully agree with.
So, how do you lead effectively when you’re caught in the middle?
The Reality of Leadership: It’s Not Always Comfortable
Leadership isn’t about always doing what feels good; it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. This includes moments where you must:
- Deliver news that’s tough to hear
- Hold someone accountable
- Enforce policies or mandates you didn’t choose
That discomfort doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. In fact, it’s often a sign you’re taking your role seriously.
Start With Your Inner Compass
When navigating difficult decisions, you need more than just a rulebook; you need a strong personal compass. Ask yourself:
- What are my core values?
- What decisions can I live with?
- Where do I draw the line between discomfort and a values conflict?
Having clarity on what you stand for helps you stay grounded when the situation feels murky.
It’s Not Always Black and White, So Build an Ethical Decision-Making Process
The world isn’t always cut and dry. That’s why it’s essential to develop a consistent method for making ethical decisions. Numerous leadership models provide frameworks for this. The key is to:
- Examine the situation thoroughly
- Identify what’s within your control
- Determine the best course of action that aligns with your values
Then, apply that process consistently.
When the Policy Conflicts with Your Values
But some policies may simply go too far against your beliefs. In those cases, it’s okay to ask the hard question:
“Is this something I can live with, or is it time to move on?”
There’s no shame in stepping away if the work fundamentally compromises who you are. But not every discomfort is a dealbreaker. Sometimes, it’s just part of the job.
Avoid the Victim Mentality
One of the most damaging dynamics a leader can fall into is the “victim-persecutor-rescuer” trap. Here’s how it looks:
- You present yourself as a victim of a bad policy
- The policy (or your higher-ups) become the persecutor
- You try to “rescue” your team by complaining or undermining the message
This approach can poison your culture and erode trust. Instead of positioning yourself as powerless, approach the situation with transparency and strength.
Acceptance Doesn’t Equal Agreement
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is:
“This isn’t ideal, but here’s how we’ll move forward together.”
Acceptance doesn’t mean you’ve sold out or surrendered your values. It means you’ve chosen to lead through the reality at hand, not the one you wish existed. And that leadership – real, courageous leadership – helps your team do the same.
Final Thought: Lead Through It, Not Around It
As a leader, you’re often the bridge between decisions made and people impacted. That’s no small task. But by anchoring in your values, avoiding drama-driven dynamics, and embracing transparent leadership, you can help your team move through even the toughest policies with integrity. Because, at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about agreement; it’s about alignment with your principles and the courage to lead through complexity.