Every leader faces these ethical tests:
The Expediency Test: Can you choose right over easy? Diana faced this when pressured to cut corners on product safety. She chose extensive testing, delaying launch but protecting customers.
The Loyalty Test: Can you speak truth to those who elevated you? Bart had to tell his mentor their strategy was failing. He risked the relationship but saved the company.
The Scarcity Test: Can you share power when it feels limited? Jenny promoted her strongest deputy knowing she might eventually compete for her job. That deputy became her strongest ally.
The Injustice Test: Can you sacrifice for fairness? Robert discovered pay inequity in his team. He redirected his own bonus to fix it before HR could act.
The Legacy Test: Can you build for after you're gone? Jennifer spent her last year as CEO creating systems that would thrive without her, rather than making herself indispensable.