Growing up, my dad taught me countless lessons. Years ago, I started writing them down so I’d never forget them—and so my daughter wouldn’t either. These nuggets of wisdom were small in length but big in meaning. They reflected who he was, what he believed in, and how he lived his life. More than that, they embodied the values he raised us with—principles he hoped we would carry forward.
His intentions were centered in living with honor, doing good, and valuing integrity—business on a handshake kind of honor. I admired it, I admired him, and I’ve always strived to live up to that standard.
As my career evolved, I realized many of his “isms” applied just as much to leadership as they did to life. One in particular—“Always do the right thing”—has echoed in my mind for years. It still does. In moments of challenge, doubt, or emotional intensity, reminding myself to “do the right thing” has helped me refocus and take the next step forward.
I’m deeply grateful for those lessons, in both my personal and professional life. And when it comes to leadership, this ‘ism’ is as relevant as ever.
Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. Today’s fast-paced world, with its constant pressures, competition, and expectations, makes quick decisions feel necessary. There are numbers to hit, goals to achieve, and teams to lead.
It’s a world of snap decisions, laced with frustration and urgency. And sometimes, just taking action—any action—feels like relief. Relief that is, until that action turns out to be unsustainable. Wrong decisions happen. But, of course, right ones are better. And we don’t always have the luxury of time to deliberate, haste is rarely a great leadership or life tool.
But and this is a big but, even with limited time, you can still strive to do the right thing to the best of your ability, with focus, and careful consideration.
Here’s how:
1. Take a Breather
It might seem counterproductive when time is tight, but pausing—just for a quick moment—helps bring focus and clarity. Think of it as setting aside the mental clutter so you can truly assess things. Quick, reactive decisions often lead to mistakes, while even a brief pause can lead to more thoughtful, effective choices.
2. Stay Calm
You’d be amazed at how much clearer your thinking becomes when you’re intentionally calm. Anxiety speeds up your heart rate and makes everything feel like it’s flying at you all at once. But when you consciously slow down, space opens for clarity, focus, and better decision-making. Calmness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a very valuable leadership tool.
3. Consider the Ripple
Feeling pressured to act fast can lead to overlooking the ripple effects of a decision. Before making a call, take a moment to think through the broader impact—on people, departments, processes, and long-term outcomes of your next step.
4. Ask Yourself: “What Is the Right Thing to Do?”
It’s a simple but powerful question. When faced with uncertainty, don’t forget to do the obvious - pause and ask yourself: What is the right thing to do? The answer may come quicker than you think when the noise of the nearby world quiets and your focus is on what the next best thing to is.
5. Write it Down
Avoid making off-the-cuff statements you won’t remember tomorrow, and worse change without realizing it the next time you address it. Take a beat, revisit steps 1 and 2, and then write down your decision (preferably before you speak it). Changing your stance often creates confusion and erodes trust. A little extra consideration upfront saves time and credibility later.
Even with all of these steps, there will still be times when the “right” choice isn’t obvious or easy to come to. Variables, people, and potential consequences can complicate decision-making. That’s where a trusted colleague, mentor, or a leadership coach can help. Oftentimes, someone with fresh eyes on the issue provides a valuable new perspective.
So, find someone – and if you’re not sure where to start, find someone who can help you find that someone. At Workplace Synergistics, coaching is something we offer—helping leaders navigate tough choices, refine their decision-making, and find the best path forward.
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