When confronted with business partners or providers engaged in unethical practices or poor conduct, the first instinct might be to consider blacklisting. But what about the alternative? What happens when we choose to maintain our seat at the table specifically to challenge misconduct and drive substantial reform from within?

This week I am reflecting on a proverb that has shaped my understanding of leadership development: "Smooth seas don't train great sailors."

Looking back on my career, the periods of greatest growth weren't during comfortable, predictable times. They came when navigating choppy waters, making difficult decisions with incomplete information or imperfect context, and steering through unexpected storms.

A work acquaintance said this to me recently. After joking that having four tweens and teenagers gives me plenty of practice, I paused to consider what I actually do when team members come to me with concerns or frustrations during our one-to-one meetings.