The Response

Identify your vision. Work hard. Persevere. Lead with character and integrity. Do these things and you will move up the corporate ladder or achieve the leadership position you desire, right? Wrong.

He has a history of leading well. This leader has consistently pursued his vision, worked hard, and exemplified strong personal and professional leadership. I watched as a familiar scenario played out again…

He was in line for a promotion, an opportunity for which he was well suited and qualified. From the outside observer, this was a no-brainer, a slam-dunk. However, the inside powers of his organization had other thoughts. For reasons that only they could answer, he did not get the job.

Instead, he was handed a difficult assignment that could have been given as punishment to one who was underperforming. This was not the first time he had been a victim of the questionable decision making of upper management. He had every right to be bitter, even angry, at this unfortunate turn of events.

That was not how he responded. Just as he has done each time he has been overlooked, he refused to become a victim.

Instead, he chose to invest in the one who had been given the promotion over him. This leader took time to encourage and offered to walk with the newly promoted leader. He was committed to help, instead of undermine, the new leadership. He also was careful to communicate a positive message to others.

When I asked him how he consistently responds so well to these difficult situations he said, “I believe that how I handle difficult situations is more important than me not getting a promotion.” He continued, “I have a responsibility to those around me to respond in the right way.”

This leader is highly regarded by all those who know or who have worked with him. His reputation of being an incredible leader did not come from a title or being promoted. It was garnered by an authentic concern and commitment to care for others. This includes those he leads and those to whom he reports.

While he may not have achieved a higher position on the corporate ladder, he has obtained something much more valuable… the trust and respect of all those within his circle of influence. What a great example of truly making a difference.

Dr. Larry Little, CEO