Choosing From Bad Or Worse

I was in charge of medical support for a night mass tactical airborne jump involving multiple aircraft, hundreds of paratroopers, and less-than-ideal weather conditions. The jump was going to happen regardless.

As expected, calls about the injury began to come in. My team dispatched medical assets as quickly as possible. Then came the last call, two injuries. Both urgent. Both require treatment.

But I had only one vehicle left.

The hard truth hit me: whichever soldier we didn’t reach first would sit in pain until we could circle back. There wasn’t a good choice. There wasn’t a “right” answer, just two bad options, and a decision that had to be made now.

The Leadership Lesson

Leadership isn't always about choosing between right and wrong, or good and evil. Sometimes it's about:

• Prioritizing in chaos when every need feels urgent.

• Making the call, even when you know it may bring criticism.

• Owning the consequences because the team is depending on you to act, not freeze.

We like to imagine leadership is clear-cut. More often, leaders are backed against the wall, forced to choose the best of two bad options.

What Leaders Can Do

1. Go Back to Priorities

   • Ask: What matters most right now, lives, mission, or long-term impact?

2. Decide Decisively

   • Don’t stall. Bad news doesn’t get better with time.

   • Make the call, own it, and move forward.

3. Communicate Clearly

   • Explain why you made the choice when time permits. People can accept tough calls when they understand the reasoning behind them.

4. Carry the Burden, Don’t Shift It

   • A bad choice is still your choice. Leaders don’t deflect blame onto the situation; they absorb it to protect their people.

The Takeaway

Outstanding leadership isn't about finding perfect answers; it's about finding the right ones. It's about having the courage to decide when no ideal answer exists.

Reflection Question:

When you're under pressure and all your choices seem inadequate, will you still have the courage to make the call? Share with us a time when you were faced with two bad options.