So you want to be a leader…do you know what that means?

‘With great power comes great responsibility’ – Spider-Man, Amazing Fantasy #15, 1962

It appears that several leaders of various enterprises have forgotten this proverb as of late. 

They say they want to be in charge…but are they prepared for everything that comes with it?

Let’s start with my personal favorite example – Jim Harbaugh, former head football coach of the University of Michigan and the current head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.  In 2024, amidst an alleged scandal at U of M that involved recruiting violations and sign stealing, Mr. Harbaugh abruptly left his position and moved across the country to take an NFL head coaching job.  All the while, the existing program staff, players, and university personnel were subject to an investigation overseen by the NCAA.  Inevitably, the program would be subject to penalties, fines, suspensions, and possibly vacated wins.  Mr. Harbaugh chose to leave prior to the investigation being completed and the punishment decided. 

Essentially, he abandoned the team.  In my mind, there is no honor in that. 

In contrast, back in 2011 former Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel resigned from his position after an NCAA investigation found wrongdoing by several players for accepting cash, discounts, and free items in exchange for memorabilia (actions no longer deemed unacceptable by the NCAA but were so at the time).  Sanctions were placed against the university, including a five-game suspension for Coach Tressel.  In an act of humility and integrity, Jim Tressel voluntarily resigned.  He took the fall for the actions of his players. 

Naturally, these events stand out for me as a raging Buckeye fan.  However, the point remains – if you want to be captain of the ship, you have to be prepared to go down with it.  You don’t jump when things get tough.  You don’t sacrifice everyone else before yourself.  Not when you’re the leader. 

What is integrity?  Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or earnestness of one’s actions. Integrity can stand in opposition to hypocrisy. (Wikipedia) 

Integrity matters (maybe now more than ever).  I believe actions speak louder than words.  When you are a leader, what you do tells everyone all they need to know about your integrity. 

Another recent example involves the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).  SHRM is known for being the premier membership-based association for HR professionals.  They are also an employer.  In a recent decision, a jury awarded $11.5 million dollars to a former employee who claimed racial discrimination and retaliation.  In his given testimony, the CEO claimed to know nothing about the situation.  ‘I didn’t know’ or ‘I was just following orders’ are not acceptable positions for the top leader of any organization.  My friend Jon Hyman said it best in his recent article in Ohio Employer Law Blog:

Johnny Taylor testified that he wasn’t involved in the termination. But leadership isn’t just about who signs the paperwork. It’s about the culture you create, the accountability you demand, and the seriousness with which you treat allegations of discrimination in your own house. (Jury Tags SHRM for $11.5 Million in Discrimination Lawsuit, Ohio Employer Law Blog, December 2025.) 

Culture comes from the top.  In my experience of working with entrepreneurs for the past 20 years, many business owners and leaders are not prepared for that. 

Many entrepreneurs set out to start businesses and create dynasties…not necessarily to be employers.  They have a passion for their work, their product, their industry.  The employees are an after thought.  But wait…what’s the most expensive line item on your financial statements? 

This is why you need HR.  It’s not just about the paperwork and processing payroll.  It’s about learning how to connect with people.  For many leaders, this is not an inherent ability.  And that’s okay.  You can ask for help; you can partner with an HR professional who can help you to develop those skills and to create the culture you really want.  Yes, people can be difficult.  But there are proven ways to lessen the frustration and increase productivity. 

If you want to be a good leader, if you want to be known for your integrity, and if you want to protect your investment in your employees, I urge you to seek out a solid HR partner in 2026.  Your people may just thank you for it.