By: Anthony President
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it’s a time to reflect on a powerful idea: We all have the power to choose. We can choose life, joy, action, and even choose ourselves when it matters most. These aren’t just words—they’re an invitation to step into our potential as leaders, to show up when it counts, and to make decisions that shape our organizations, communities, and, most importantly, ourselves.
Leadership is not about always knowing the right answer. It’s about showing up when things are uncertain, when the stakes are high, and when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s about taking a stand and making a choice—even if that choice is difficult or uncomfortable. The greatest leaders are the ones who understand that their power lies in their ability to choose, especially in the face of adversity.
Why Choosing Matters
Here’s the thing: leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge. It’s about creating a sense of safety, belonging, and purpose. And that means making choices that aren’t always easy. Think about the human services field. Every decision you make, every choice, has a direct impact on someone’s life—whether it’s your team, the people you serve, or the broader community. Your choices are the ripple that can create waves of change.
When we talk about choosing, we’re talking about a mindset. It’s not just about deciding between one option or another. It’s about owning the responsibility that comes with your decisions. It’s about understanding that every time you choose, you’re sending a message: This is what matters. And that message? It’s more powerful than any motivational speech or strategic plan.
The True Role of a Leader
Great leaders don’t have all the answers—they’re the ones who know how to ask the right questions. They’re the ones who choose to be curious, even when things are uncertain. They’re the ones who choose to show up, even when it’s hard. And they’re the ones who choose to take action, even when they don’t have all the information.
In moments of crisis, people don’t need someone who has it all figured out. They need someone who’s willing to stand up and say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here with you. I’m choosing to be here.” That’s leadership. That’s what it means to be a guide, not a hero.
The Framework to C.H.O.O.S.E
To help you make those tough decisions, here’s a simple framework: C.H.O.O.S.E. This isn’t about telling you what to do. It’s about giving you a guide to make your own choices with clarity, courage, and conviction.
C – Clarify Your Purpose
Start with why. Before making any decision, reconnect with your organization’s purpose. Why do you exist? Why do you do what you do? When you’re clear on your purpose, every decision you make becomes a reflection of that purpose. It’s not about the what or the how—it’s about the why.
Example: If you’re in the middle of a budget crisis, instead of asking, “What do we cut?” ask, “Why do we exist?” That shift in perspective changes everything. It allows you to make choices that stay true to your mission, even when resources are tight.
H – Harness Your Resources
We often think that leadership is about having more—more time, more money, more people. But the best leaders know it’s not about having more; it’s about maximizing what you have. It’s about being resourceful, not just having resources.
Example: In leadership development, if your budget is limited, think creatively. Maybe it’s about leveraging internal talent or finding new ways to collaborate. The point is to make the most of what you’ve got, rather than focusing on what you don’t have.
O – Outline the Options
Leaders don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to know the options. Map them out. Take a step back and look at the possibilities. When you outline your options, you give yourself a sense of direction, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Example: In crisis management training, when faced with a tough decision, identify every possible course of action. Even if they’re not ideal, having a clear picture of your options empowers you to choose the best path forward.
O – Own the Responsibility
Here’s the truth: leadership is a responsibility, not a rank. When you make a choice, own it. Take full responsibility for your decision, even if it doesn’t go as planned. That’s what builds trust. That’s what creates safety.
Example: When implementing new workplace wellness protocols, be the first to commit. Show your team that you stand by the decision, and they’ll be more likely to follow.
S – See the Long-Term Impact
Leadership is not about the next quarter—it’s about the next decade. It’s about creating something that lasts. When making a decision, always ask yourself, “How will this choice impact us in the long run?”
Example: In diversity training, the goal isn’t to check a box. It’s to create a culture where everyone feels they belong. That takes time, effort, and a willingness to see beyond the immediate.
E – Empower Action
Choosing isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. Once you’ve made a decision, empower your team to act on it. Give them the tools, the support, and the autonomy to bring that choice to life. Because leadership isn’t about making choices; it’s about inspiring others to act on those choices.
Example: In team-building exercises, don’t just lead—create space for others to lead. Empower them to take ownership of their roles and watch as they rise to the occasion. Choosing Life, Joy, and Action
At the end of the day, the choices you make as a leader define not just your path but the path of everyone around you. And in this month of suicide prevention, we’re reminded that the most important choice we can make is to choose life, to choose joy, and to choose action.
The greatest leaders aren’t the ones who make the most decisions—they’re the ones who make the most intentional decisions. They’re the ones who choose to care, to listen, and to act, even when it’s hard. And in doing so, they create a space where others feel safe to make their own choices.
So, choose courage over comfort. Choose purpose over profit. And most importantly, choose to be the leader your team, your organization, and your community need. Because in the end, the power to choose is the power to lead. And that power? It’s within all of us.
Master Trainer, International Speaker and author of the book “Invincible Social Worker”, Anthony President has empowered and inspired more than 100,000 professionals to perform, produce and partner better at their places of work. Thousands of companies and organizations have been transformed as a result of Anthony’s work.
As Founder and CEO of Presidential Consultants, LLC, Anthony leads a team of more than two dozen experienced learning development and coaching professionals who together serve more than 16,000 helping professionals each year in the areas of leadership, inclusion, and workplace wellness. As a thought leader in the field, Anthony continues to research, innovate, and drive positive change in the realm of professional development and organizational transformation.
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