“You cannot find peace by avoiding life.” – Michael Cunningham

Last week in this space the topic was leading with the knowledge that, no matter what happens, you can’t make everyone happy, so do what you think is best and deal with what happens.  Based on the feedback we received, that touched a nerve.  Apparently, trying to make everyone happy is only one side of the story. 

A number of readers mentioned that too many leaders essentially go to the other extreme.  Instead of deluding themselves into thinking they can make everybody happy, they assume that everyone’s always angry.  Then they cope with that perceived reality by completely avoiding anything unpleasant.

Have a necessary but unpleasant conversation with a team member?  Not happening.  Make a difficult decision about whether to take advantage of an exciting, but risky, opportunity?  Let somebody else do it.  Deal with a challenge that might require choosing short-term pain?  No, thanks.

I agree with those readers.  Too many leaders are trying to lead with their heads in the sand.  It’s as though they think that if they just ignore difficult things, then those things will just magically resolve themselves.

Unfortunately, some of those difficult things do resolve themselves if you ignore them, but rarely in a way that’s positive.  When those negative outcomes happen, the leader usually finds themselves worse off than they were before.  Ignorance almost never leads to bliss.

As a leader, make sure you’re not just “checked out” from real life.  If you refuse to deal with difficult things, then at least have the decency and consideration to resign from your leadership role.  Don’t keep taking a paycheck when you’re not doing your job.

Look around.  What are you ignoring as a leader?  What difficult conversation or situation requires your attention but isn’t getting it?  What opportunity or challenge is time-sensitive but is currently just sitting there, waiting for you?

Don’t try and lead your organization by avoidance.  As a leader, you have to get your hands dirty.  You have to deal with difficult things.  Identify those things, make a plan, and then address them.  Get your head out of the sand.