Leadership Decisions

Damian ten Bohner

18 Jan 2026 — 1 min read

AI-generated image created by Damian using custom text prompts (2026).

I've watched senior leaders make decisions for years.

One pattern shows up again and again.

They choose what gets applause over what's right.

Cato the Younger said:

"It is not for the wise man to be influenced by either praise or blame."

Easy to quote. Hard to live.

Here's a simple test I use with executives:

The Praise/Blame Test

Before you make a big call, ask yourself:

"Would I still do this if I knew I'd only get blamed for it?"

If the answer is no, you're making the decision from ego.

Not from what's right.

Are you honest with yourself about this?

#StoicWisdom #Coach #Coaching #Leadership #Growth

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