I grew up in a military household. Discipline. Duty. Don’t rock the boat.
So for most of my early leadership years, I carried that mindset into work. I avoided confrontation, played peacemaker, and tried to “lead by example” in silence.
But here’s what I learned the hard way: You can’t lead what you won’t confront.
In The Presidential Principles, I shared the story of working on a major healthcare policy reform that had everything on the line—millions of lives, billions in funding, and immense political tension.
One day, I found myself avoiding a key stakeholder. I didn’t want the smoke. I thought I could finesse my way around it.
But the tension boiled over—and nearly cost us the coalition.
Only when I leaned in and had the hard conversation did we regain momentum.
So let me ask you—on this MLK Week:
What conversation are you avoiding that’s costing you credibility?
Whether it’s:
- Addressing bias in your team
- Asking for the opportunity you’ve earned
- Letting go of an underperformer
Your growth is waiting on the other side of that conversation.
Leadership Challenge:
Choose courage over comfort. Book the meeting. Start the dialogue. Move the mission.
MLK didn’t change the world by keeping things comfortable.
Neither will you.