Tough Call Time

A feeling I want to share: a while back, I had to make the kind of call that no one really enjoys—the one where you realise someone you genuinely like and respect just isn’t the right fit for the role.

They were a brilliant person, full of energy and ideas, but the match with the role just wasn’t there. And suddenly, the responsibility landed squarely on me. The weight of that decision was heavy. It’s lonely in those moments—balancing respect for the person, the needs of the team and the direction of the work.

Delivering the message was uncomfortable. I wanted to be fair and kind, but also honest. I felt a mix of guilt, sadness and high levels of anxiety all at once. Watching someone you’ve invested in walk away, knowing it’s the right decision for both parties, is a strange tension.

What struck me most, though, was the importance of presence: sitting with the discomfort, listening, acknowledging the impact and showing genuine care while keeping the conversation grounded in reality. It’s never easy, but it’s often necessary.

Have you faced a moment like this? How did you balance the weight of the decision with care for the person? I’d love to hear your reflections.

#LeadershipLessons #TeamManagement #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceWisdom #Management #LeadershipWithCare

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