Dear Leaders,
One of the hardest parts of leadership is making decisions that are best for the organization that others do not understand and certainly don’t celebrate. Leaders recognize that while others are tasked with responsibilities, the leader is ultimately held accountable. That’s why courage is required to make decisions based on what is best for the organization, even when they are not popular or understood by others.
Decision-making is a key facet of leadership, and leaders must weigh all options when making decisions. All the pros and cons must be considered, and often this means competing interests collide. In the end, the leader must do what is best for the organization, and in my case, best for the students, recognizing that there may be people you respect who are disappointed in the decision you made.
I’ve learned that leadership maturity shows up most clearly in these moments. It’s easy to lead when decisions are popular, but significantly harder when decisions are right and yet unpopular. If you are a leader who has experienced this kind of decision-making, I am sure you have been questioned, misunderstood, or publicly criticized. Over the years, I’ve learned to rest in the peace I have when I can affirm that I have listened, asked good questions, gathered a variety of perspectives, and lastly, acted with integrity.
Even when making a hard decision, knowing that I have operated in alignment with my values gives me the resolve I need to lead in difficult times. Last week I had the privilege of listening to a seasoned leader with a vast amount of experience. He said to us, an audience of leaders, “Leadership is not easy,” and “if it ever feels easy, you’re probably not doing it right.”
I couldn’t agree more. It’s not easy. But none of us chose to lead because we thought it would be easier. We did so because we believed in a mission greater than ourselves and were willing to carry the weight that comes with the responsibility of leading.
So if you’re carrying the weight of a difficult decision this week, I want to remind you of something important: Doing what you believe to be the right thing won’t often come with applause. But over time, you will earn the respect and trust that come from doing the right thing—even when it is difficult. That credibility is one of the most important parts of being an effective leader.
Leadership is about being respected for doing the right thing. So trust that your integrity will be the legacy that outlives the moments of discomfort every time you make the difficult, but the right decision. Keep leading with heart, soul, and from the inside out!
Yours in Leadership,
Latoya
P.S. I’ve made some updates to the Leadership With Latoya app. Check it out, and take my poll.