I’m continuing on the theme of moments for this week and in particular those moments of decision when we are needing to decide between two rights.
I believe this can be a challenge within the business (and personal) world. And potentially an increasing one as we bring such considerations as ethics, values and social responsibility into our decision making.
I’ve worked as an employee in quite a few companies where the final decision was made on commercial factors. The only consideration was whether or not the identified decision would make a profit. If there wasn’t a direct and immediately obvious link between the two then it wasn’t on the table. But in today’s world with an increasing evaluation of our behaviour, with increased evidence of ‘longer term gains’, decisions are being influenced by a wide array of factors. Some of these might be how well we look after the personal situations of employees, how well an investment in made in corporate responsibility, and / or the commitment toward sustainable practices.
And these factors can come to a head around decision time.
For example, imagine a struggling business with a strong ethics base who is suddenly approached by a multinational who are keen to engage that struggling business on a large contract. But about if that multinational has unethical practices? Does the business take the dollars or do they refuse the job and possibly go out of business? Are they making the decision on behalf of everyone involved with that business and who will lose their jobs as a consequence?
On a personal level it might be the need to choose between a key business meeting or a graduation ceremony for a loved one. Or it could be staying true to your beliefs despite the doubt of others.
Realising that the decision we make in that moment often defines who we are and the quality of leadership not only to others but to ourselves.
How are we making life defining choices before they get thrust upon us as life changing decisions. In the end which truth is being revealed by decisions of the moment and does this truth demonstrate the leadership required within the dynamic world of today?