Whatever you think of the NBA or Netball Australia’s different handling of their players’ and sponsors concerns, you have to admit that both were big Leadership tests.
And maybe be grateful that you didn’t have to decide for either…
Making decisions based on principles or values is a good thing, right?
Maybe…
Making any big decisions can be tough.
It’s even tougher if you’re seeking absolute certainty.
Complex issues aren’t solved by automatically applying principles or rules.
A really important game that all leaders have to play is the struggle between Compliance and Balance.
Do I decide based on fixed rules, or do I make a judgment based on a mix of competing objectives and principles?
And be accountable for that decision
Are my values so important that they become unbreakable rules?
Or are they guidelines?
On the other hand are my targets fixed?
Do I treat targets like rules?
Do I hide behind targets or principles?
Leaders are paid to choose, not hide
Public leaders have to choose publicly, where opinions are strong and immediate.
Good leaders seek Balance over Compliance
It doesn’t mean you don’t take decisions based on principles or rules.
But it does mean you always consider the alternatives.
“Complex issues aren’t solved by automatically applying principles or rules…”
You can create a culture in your team where decisions are based on balanced judgments not compliance to rules.
By actively looking at the big picture before you decide.
Especially big decisions.
Have you ever had to choose between competing principles?
Quality or cost?
People or profit?
How about Social Justice or Revenue?
Do you automatically choose one way?
Do you use big decisions as an opportunity for an important leadership lesson, by talking it through with your team?
What do you have fixed rules on?
Are your values hard rules ?
Are your business objectives hard rules?
Are rules a way to avoid making decisions?
Do you seek Balance or do you follow rules?
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“..I might be wrong, but at least I’ve thought about it…”