Leadership Tips: Fatal Error

It's one thing to lead and another to find that people actually follow you. What makes you want to follow some people and not others? I will try to keep these tips practical and useful enough so you can use them as soon as you've read them.

What do you do... when you know you're a good leader, you're absolutely committed to your people and public, and you discover that your superiors have adopted a course of action that you're sure will destroy your whole system - maybe abandoning its most valued principles in the process?

I suspect a lot of us have been through something like that, maybe more than once. I personally know some people who have performed admirably, and more than a few who have shown no personal character at all. The following are some options that may present themselves to you:

You can do whatever they tell you to. After all, they are paying your salary. (You're selling your soul, but you'll find that gets easier and easier. Of course the needs of a family transcend all others. If that's your primary consideration, nobody can judge you ill for it. But God help you in the hard months ahead.) You can panic, and start polishing your boots and your resume. (The time may come for that, but for now you have other responsibilities. Remember, you're supposed to be a leader.) You can throw a tantrum and quit, presuming they will beg you to reconsider. (That's risky. And if you're wrong about their response, you won't be helping your peeps.) You can confront your superiors as a group and tell them you think they're making a terrible mistake. (Some of us could probably get away with that, but for most it probably won't be productive. Why? Because you'll be outnumbered, and if you trigger their pack behaviors, they may have you for lunch. They may also perceive a lack of forethought and inquiry on your part.)

You can talk to your superiors individually, and make sure you understand what they're planning to do. If you still think they're mistaken, lobby them as individuals and try to explain your perception of the consequences of their plans. (If they listen, at least that may prompt them to think.)

Everybody has a boss. You can go over your superiors' heads and hope for the best. (That could get you demoted or fired, especially if you haven't talked to them first.) You can direct your first-line efforts toward informing your subordinates, and stemming the panic, confusion and speculation that will soon arise. Caution especially the youngest ones against behaviors that could make them unemployable in the future. (THAT's what a leader does - whatever else happens and whatever else you decide to do.)

Thom Dick has been involved in EMS for 35 years, 23 of them as a full-time EMT and paramedic in San Diego County. He is currently the quality care coordinator for Platte Valley Ambulance Service, a community-owned, hospital-based 9-1-1 provider in Brighton, CO. Contact him at boxcar414@aol.com.