James R. Rector
Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal
Betrayal isn’t always dramatic; it can be quiet and subtle. It can arrive the day you’re promoted and a colleague is not. Or when the company brings in an outsider, leaving insiders wondering, “Why not me?”
A leader must recognize that disappointment often breeds disloyalty. It may not be open rebellion; it may be passive resistance, whispered criticism, or withheld effort. But the effect is the same: momentum stalls.
The temptation is to ignore it or clamp down. But the wiser leader does three things:
- Names it quietly. Acknowledge that someone may feel overlooked.
- Reframes the moment. Clarify that leadership isn’t about favoritism but about what the mission needs now.
- Rebuilds bridges. Offer new opportunities, invite their voice, or show respect for past contributions.
Even when betrayal stings, the leader must remember: your response will be watched. How you handle disloyalty teaches your team what loyalty really means.
At home, betrayal can be as simple as breaking a promise to a child or forgetting an anniversary. The principle is the same: acknowledge the hurt, reaffirm the bond, and move forward with honesty.
Betrayal is not the end of leadership. Often, it is the true beginning.
About The 3-Minute Leader™: a weekly micro-essay series for emerging and promotable executives. Practical, concise, and ready to use at work and at home. © 2025 Profiles in Leadership Journal. Reprints permitted with attribution.
James Rector
James Rector is the founder and publisher of Profiles in Leadership Journal, a publication that has honored over 2,500 leaders in its 27-year history. His work focuses on spotlighting individuals whose character, courage, and quiet consistency shape the future of leadership.
