SHOULD YOU OBEY YOUR BOSS?
Yes—when the instruction is lawful, properly authorised, ethical and consistent with the legitimate interests, objectives and policies of the organisation.
A professional should execute such an instruction competently, diligently, responsibly and in good faith.
But what happens when the instruction itself is wrong?
You should question, challenge or refuse an instruction that is:
a. Illegal;
b. Unethical;
c. Outside the authority of the person giving the instruction;
d. Contrary to established policies, procedures or internal controls;
e. Intended to circumvent governance processes or required approvals;
f. Misleading, fraudulent or deliberately deceptive; or
g. Detrimental to the legitimate interests of the organisation or its stakeholders.
Don’t be the professional who only knows how to follow instructions. Be the professional who knows how to exercise sound judgement when the instruction itself is wrong.
WHY?
Whatever your level of authority, your immediate boss may be expected to call the shots within the scope of his or her authority.
But does that mean your boss has absolute authority?
Certainly not.
Professional responsibility does not disappear simply because an instruction comes from someone higher in the organisational hierarchy.
This means:
- Your boss is not your moral compass.
- Respecting your boss does not mean surrendering your professional judgement.
- Loyalty to your organisation does not mean participating in wrongdoing.
- Obedience does not mean abandoning your professional responsibility.
- Following instructions does not absolve you of accountability for your own actions.
Sometimes, the most responsible thing you can do for your boss, your organisation and your own career is to respectfully say:
“I cannot do this.”
Because true professionalism is not demonstrated only by how well you follow instructions. It is demonstrated by knowing which instructions should be followed, which should be questioned, and which should not be followed at all—and having the wisdom, courage and professionalism to act accordingly.
BUT REFUSING YOUR BOSS IS NOT ALWAYS EASY
This is where the real leadership challenge—and true professionalism—begins.
You may know that an instruction is wrong, but how do you communicate your position without appearing disrespectful, disloyal or insubordinate?
How do you challenge or refuse an improper instruction while preserving the professional relationship that should exist between a boss and a subordinate?
This requires more than courage.
It requires wisdom and emotional intelligence.
Corporate governance principles, organisational policies, professional standards and applicable laws establish boundaries around the powers, responsibilities and conduct of those who govern and manage organisations.
A company’s direction may be shaped by the vision of its founders and shareholders. However, once incorporated, the company becomes a separate legal entity, with its own rights, obligations, assets, liabilities and corporate objectives.
The individuals who own, govern or manage the company may exercise authority on its behalf, but they do not personally become the company merely because they occupy positions of power within it.
Therefore, the interests of the company cannot simply be reduced to the personal interests, wishes or instructions of an individual.
The organisation must operate within the framework of applicable laws, regulations, governance requirements, internal policies and its legitimate corporate objectives.
