“Yes, it’s my name on the building, but you are my team.” Steve continued. “I need my leadership team’s input and unity before we move forward. We’re not leaving until we have 100% consensus on this matter.”

After the big boss’s proclamation, Corina, who disagreed with what had been proposed before the meeting, quietly sat there wondering how to get out of this mess.

Jeff, who shared the client’s request that initiated the emergency Friday afternoon meeting, nodded in approval. “I know this is short notice, and I’m sorry about that, but this is our biggest and most important client, and like I said earlier, if we don’t do this to keep ‘em happy, we don’t keep ‘em.”

Knowing this would negatively impact bonuses, the decision seemed like a no-brainer to most of the team. Besides, it should be wrapped up quickly because they were all ready for the long holiday weekend.

“It doesn’t bother me. I’m good with it,” Luke said.

Jeff pointed to the mission statement and values on the conference room wall. “I know this doesn’t align with those completely, but we must be flexible to make this work. We can’t be responsible for sinking Steve’s company over this.”

“I agree,” Renard chimed in. “We need this client. Those are just words we put on the wall. They can be any words.”

~~~~~~~~~~

If you are the boss and your team indicates that your values are not valuable, what do you do?

If you are Corina, do you risk ostracizing yourself from the team by disagreeing?

What do you believe to be Steve’s main concern: losing the client, his company’s standards, or team unity?