You Always Have a Choice

This is an adaptation of the last article I wrote in 2024. As last year drew to a close, many were running on empty and may have missed it. But the idea at its heart is worth revisiting. Successful leadership, I believe, hinges on one simple yet powerful truth: you always have a choice. The challenge is being present enough to see it. That’s the essence of above-the-line leadership which is only possible when self-awareness is high.

Choice

Life and leadership are defined by choices - those you embrace, those you ignore, and those you pretend you don’t have. Choice is the constant thread running through every moment, shaping your responses, relationships, and results. Yet, the concept of choice can be slippery. This article explores the anatomy of choice and how it forms the foundation of above the line (present and conscious) leadership.

Above the line leadership?

One of the most liberating truths in leadership, and in life, is that you always have a choice. Even in situations constrained by external forces, you can choose your perspective, attitude, and response. Viktor Frankl, reflecting on his time in a concentration camp, famously wrote that while everything could be taken from a person, the ability to choose their attitude in any situation could not.??

So why do you sometimes feel powerless? Why do you say, “I had no choice”? It’s often a clever trick you play on yourself to dodge responsibility. Pretending choice doesn’t exist might offer temporary relief, but it robs you of agency and growth. The truth is, acknowledging choice, even when it feels limited, places you back in the driver’s seat.

The role of self-awareness??

Choice begins with self-awareness. Without it, you’re at the mercy of your patterns and distortions. These reactions, old habits, and ghosts of past experiences could include:??

• Defences: Reacting to protect ourselves rather than engaging openly
• Defaults: Falling back on the way we’ve always done things, even if they no longer serve us
• Stories: Reliving unhelpful narratives that cloud our judgement

Becoming present to these patterns is step one in reclaiming choice. Self-awareness helps you pause, examine your thoughts and emotions, and decide if they’re aligned with the outcomes you want. It’s the foundation of above the line leadership - moving beyond autopilot to intentional action.

Expanding resourcefulness??

Your ability to make effective choices is deeply tied to your level of resourcefulness. When you feel stuck or limited, it’s often because you lack options, or the ability to see them. Resourcefulness expands your field of vision, offering more ways to relate, communicate, and navigate problems.??

Here are some ways to boost resourcefulness:??

1. Cultivate curiosity: Ask yourself, “What’s another way to see this?” or “What haven’t I considered yet?”
2. Engage others: Seek input from colleagues, mentors, or even those with opposing views.??
3. Learn continuously: Building new skills and perspectives equips you with more tools for decision-making.
4. Reframe challenges: Shift from, “Why is this happening to me?” to, “What can I learn or create from this?”
5. Get a coach: The good ones are trained to help you with all of the above.

With increased resourcefulness, choices multiply. You gain flexibility not only in action but also in how you relate to yourself and others.

Choice and leadership??

In leadership, choice is most impactful when anchored to outcomes. Every decision, large or small, should connect to the question: “What do I want to happen?” This clarity transforms choice into intention, aligning actions with desired results.??

But leadership choices are rarely straightforward. They involve weighing trade-offs, considering impacts, and navigating uncertainty. A conscious leader embraces this complexity by:

• Slowing down: Avoid rushing decisions; instead, pause to reflect on what truly matters
• Engaging stakeholders: Include others in the conversation to co-create better outcomes
• Balancing head, heart and gut: Use logic, empathy and intuition to guide choices

When leaders make choices with intention, they inspire confidence and create alignment, even in uncertain circumstances.

From choice to action??

Choice without action is merely a thought. To lead effectively, choices must translate into intentional responses. This requires both clarity and courage. Clarity about what needs to happen, and courage to take steps toward it, even when the path is uncertain or uncomfortable.??

Consider these questions before acting:??

• What outcome am I aiming for???
• What steps will guide this forward???
• How can I support others to join me in this effort???

Action rooted in thoughtful choice not only creates progress but also builds trust and momentum within a team. It signals that you’re not just reacting to circumstances - you’re shaping them.

The heart of above the line leadership??

At its core, above the line leadership is about choosing to be present. It’s about managing your inner world (your defences, defaults and stories), so that you can show up fully for others. When leaders move from a reactive to a responsive state, they model intentionality, inspire confidence, and unlock collective potential.??

The journey isn’t always smooth, but it’s worth it. By embracing the power of choice, you can navigate challenges with clarity, build relationships with authenticity, and lead with purpose.??

Final thoughts??

Choice is always available, even when it doesn’t feel that way. It’s a tool, a responsibility, and a privilege. As leaders, we owe it to ourselves and those we serve to exercise this power with care and intention.??

The next time you catch yourself saying, “I have no choice,” pause. Consider your options, however limited they may seem. Expand your resourcefulness, align with your desired outcomes, and act with purpose. Because in the end, leadership is a series of choices - yours to make.

Coaching questions

• When faced with a situation where you feel stuck, what choices might you be overlooking? How could shifting your perspective create new possibilities?
• What recurring defences, defaults, or stories do you notice in your leadership? How might becoming more aware of these patterns open space for intentional choices?
• How could you expand your resourcefulness when tackling a leadership challenge? Who or what could support you in seeing options you might not currently consider?

More choices for making progress

I work with individuals, teams and organisations to transform leadership and lives through tailored coaching, training, team builds and development programs. I help leaders build productive relationships, communicate effectively, and develop more choices for making progress. To explore possibilities, please email me - I'd love to hear from you.