In business, we often face moments where the path forward isn’t clear. These are the moments that test our resolve and force us to make difficult decisions. I’ve found great wisdom in a quote by the Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle:
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
This quote has been on my mind a lot lately. Recently, I had to make the tough decision to let go of some of our clients. It wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it was for the best, and it was a necessary step for the health of our business and our team.
The Problem with Inaction
Here's the situation: as a managed IT and cybersecurity provider, we’re in the business of offering expert advice to protect our clients. We tell them what they need to do to stay secure, efficient, and compliant. But what happens when they don't follow that advice?
You find yourself in an awkward position. They aren't secure, but they look to you for protection. A potential threat to their business becomes a potential liability for yours. We can't guarantee their safety if they won't follow our recommendations. We’re left with two options: accept a risk we can’t control, or take action.
This is the "worst thing" Carlyle spoke of—doing nothing. If we had done nothing, we would have continued to pour our time and resources into a relationship that wasn't working. We would have accepted an unnecessary risk, all while creating resentment on both sides. Inaction would have been a slow drain on our business, our morale, and our integrity.
Choosing "The Right Thing"
My team and I decided to take decisive action. We chose to do "the right thing" by ending the partnership. It was a difficult conversation, but it was also a respectful one. We explained our position and made it clear that we couldn't serve them to our own high standards if they weren't willing to follow our recommendations.
This decision, though painful in the short term, was the best thing we could do for several reasons:
- It protected our business. We removed a significant source of liability and risk.
- It upheld our integrity. We refuse to compromise our professional standards. Our advice is based on what is best for our clients' security and long-term health, and we have to stand by that.
- It freed up resources. We can now focus our energy, time, and attention on clients who trust our expertise and value a true partnership.
A Lesson for All Business Owners
This isn't just a lesson for the IT industry. Every business owner, no matter the size or field, has to make difficult decisions:
- Letting go of an underperforming employee.
- Ending a partnership with a difficult vendor.
- Investing in new technology even when the budget is tight.
In all these scenarios, the temptation is to do nothing. It’s easier to avoid confrontation. It feels safer to wait. But that inaction can lead to stagnation, greater risk, and ultimately, a much bigger problem down the road.
So, to my fellow business owners: have the courage to make the tough call. Whether it’s letting go of a client, making a hard pivot, or investing in your future, a difficult decision today is often what prevents a major crisis tomorrow. Take action, even if it feels like "the wrong thing" in the moment, because inaction is always the worst thing you can do.
