That a leader will have to make difficult or controversial decision is inevitable. Good leaders will explain their reasoning. But, every once in a while a decision has to be made without being able to reveal the details surrounding the situation, such as in personnel matters. The secret to navigating difficult decisions successfully (especially when you can’t share information) is to establish leadership capital before the decision has to be made. People may not know why you did it — but they know you. When you have leadership capital, people are more inclined to believe your reasoning is sound and to trust that you made the right decision. And sometimes, some people will chose to believe whatever they want..and that’s OK too.
