I Have Decided Never to Run Away

Asked to state my management philosophy in one word: never run. It sounds gallant; the reality is muddier. In business, moments that tempt you to flee arrive regularly — unpleasant reports, heavy negotiations, cleaning up your own failures — and escape routes are always provided.

The key: I decided in advance, years ago, that I am a person who does not run. Decide in the moment, and the brain — built to avoid immediate pain — will always choose escape. Decide beforehand, and when the moment comes there is only one option left; without hesitation, there is no exhaustion.

Only those who didn't run from the one thing in front of them get to see the next landscape. What are you running from, just a little, right now?

What do you work for?