Discernment

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You’ve probably heard some version of this before, because I know I’m not the first to experience it, and I certainly won’t be the last to say it. But this, and a handful of similar realisations, have quietly shaped my growth over the last couple of years. They’ve changed how I think, how I work, and how I navigate corporate life.

I’ve come to appreciate that when you’re trying to do the right thing, circumstances will sometimes lead you to choose between imperfect options and you may feel bad about it. Those moments don’t automatically define your character. For the most part, if you asked me, they’re a test of your judgment.

One of the unwritten realities of corporate life is that you’ll have to make trade-offs. Deadlines, budgets, office politics, competing priorities, and decisions made above your pay grade will every once in a while leave you choosing the least imperfect path. Now not every trade-off is a compromise of your values, but every one of them demands discernment. It’s why I’ve always said that discernment is an underrated skill.

If you’re early in your career, or simply committed to growing, you don’t need to spend all your energy trying to avoid every difficult decision. Instead, learn to recognise the difference between a strategic compromise and a compromise of your values. 

One helps you grow. The other costs you more than any promotion ever will.

Written by

Ian Kiryowa

Marketing Strategist | Commercial Growth | Sustainable Brands

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