The Hardest Decisions Often Define Us as Leaders

Recently, I had a conversation with an entrepreneur that stayed with me.

She had just made the gut-wrenching decision to let go of half her team. To many, that would sound like the beginning of the end , but her business coach told her that if it is to continue like this, her business wouldn't survive.

And here's what happened:

Her team responded with newfound respect for her leadership.
She discovered a clearer sense of what she stands for and what she won’t tolerate in her business.
Her clients gave her unexpected credibility and trust.

And the people who left? They moved on to opportunities that better fit their strengths. No ill will, just the chance to find a path that made them happier.

When we talked, she admitted:
“It was the hardest decision I’ve made this year, and the best.”

It struck me how often leadership looks like this. It’s rarely the glossy, Instagram-ready version of “success.” More often, it’s about making hard calls that protect the business, the team, and the vision… even when those calls feel risky or uncomfortable in the moment.

As leaders, we carry the weight of these decisions. But when they’re made with integrity, they can create ripple effects we don’t always see coming: stronger teams, deeper client trust, and clearer alignment with our own values.

And for your reflection: What’s a tough decision you’ve made as a leader that turned out better than you expected?

These are the kinds of conversations I have with my clients every day. If you’re facing a hard leadership decision and need a partner to think it through, this is exactly the work I do. Reach out anytime, I’d be happy to help.