A while back, I met with a CEO who found himself stuck between two tough people-related decisions—both of which had been weighing on him for months.
The first involved a key executive who had once been instrumental to the company’s early success. But as the business grew in size, complexity, and sophistication, it simply outpaced this executive’s skill set. The role had evolved, but the leader in the role had not. Deep down, the CEO knew it was time for a change. Yet he hesitated.
The second issue was even more emotionally tangled. It involved an employee who had been underperforming for a long time—but this also was someone with whom the CEO had a long‑standing personal relationship. Letting this person go wouldn’t just be a business decision; it would feel like a personal betrayal. So, the CEO continued to delay, hoping the situation would somehow fix itself.
As we talked, it became clear that these weren’t strategic problems; they were emotional ones. And emotional problems are the ones leaders struggle with the most.
And honestly? That’s a good thing.
If people decisions never weighed on you, it would mean you’d lost your heart. Leaders who care feel the tension. They wrestle with the human side of change. They don’t take these decisions lightly—and that’s exactly why they’re trusted.
But caring doesn’t remove the responsibility to act.
Learning from the Buffalo
When storms roll across the plains, most animals—especially cattle—instinctively run away from the storm. But buffalo do something remarkable: They turn toward the storm and run directly into it. By facing it head‑on, they get through it faster.
Leaders face storms, too—especially people‑related ones. And just like the buffalo, the sooner you face the problem, the sooner you get to the other side.
The Pain is Inevitable—The Timing is Your Choice
People-related issues rarely work themselves out. You can delay the conversation. You can avoid the discomfort. But the pain is coming regardless.
So, you can have the pain now, or you can have the pain later—but it will be painful either way.
And the longer you wait, the bigger the storm becomes.
When you choose to be the buffalo—to turn into the challenge, have the honest conversation, make the tough call—you shorten the storm.
A Challenge for Every Leader
If you’re carrying a people decision you’ve been avoiding, ask yourself:
- Am I running away from this storm?
- What would it look like to face it head-on?
- What is the cost of waiting?
- What could be possible on the other side of this decision?
Be the buffalo.
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