“My Superior Will Not Listen”: The Tragedy of Leadership Without Conscience

It is deeply troubling when individuals cling to positions of authority, whether in government, corporations, or small organisations, even when holding those positions means violating people’s rights or contributing to the sadness and depression of others. Rather than step down and preserve their moral integrity, they remain in place, hiding behind the excuse of simply following instructions from their superiors. But if your opinion is not respected or considered in a leadership role, then what is the purpose of remaining there? People are not meant to become mindless followers, obeying harmful orders without conscience or compassion.

Those who choose not to accept such positions because they refuse to violate people’s rights or endanger lives are not foolish. They are people of principle. They believe in a sane and just society. They understand that reputation and moral values matter more than pride, power, or financial gain. These are individuals who were raised to know that position and money must never come before humanity.

There is nothing honourable about obeying any order that puts lives at risk. When wrongdoing or systemic harm cannot be corrected within a few months of being in any leadership position especially when working under authoritarian and inhumane superiors who have no regard for humanity it is far better to step down than remain and contribute to injustice. Giving excuses such as “My superior will not listen” only adds to the damage. In that case, you are no longer a neutral participant but a willing contributor to an unsafe and oppressive environment.

What is even more disappointing is when immigrants who left their home countries complaining about bad governance, authoritarianism, and leaders who only think about themselves and their families begin to behave in exactly the same way when given small positions of power abroad. Some of them quickly forget the pain they once criticised and instead become agents of that same injustice in foreign workplaces. For the sake of pride, status, and salary, they enforce harmful policies, mistreat vulnerable people, and excuse themselves by saying, “I have no choice. I am just following orders.” But that is not leadership. That is cowardice covered in ego.

This behaviour reveals something painful. Many of the people who condemn their leaders back home might behave no differently if they were in the same position. The change of geography did not change their mindset. The real question is, are they truly different from the leaders they once criticised?

Using “My superior will not listen” as an excuse is simply a way to avoid accountability and justify self-interest, even when it means violating the law and showing no respect for humanity. Anyone who takes part in such behaviour must be held accountable and, if found guilty, face the full consequences of the law.

Those involved in any act of corruption that endangers the public can never justify their actions with excuses, especially when they are fully aware and such actions are carried out frequently. A crime is a crime, even if it was committed years ago. Justice may take time, but when it moves, it acts decisively and with evidence. Let it be a warning to all: accountability may delay, but it never disappears. The law does not forget.

Leadership is not about titles or pride. It is about conscience, responsibility, and the courage to stand on the side of what is right. It is always better to be an ordinary worker with dignity than a manager who brings pain and injustice to others.

There is an African adage that says, "He who fetches firewood infested with ants invites lizards into his home." In other words, when you participate in harmful acts, do not be surprised when trouble follows you. Always remember that the law exists to hold every behaviour accountable, and ignorance of the law is never an excuse. 

Two wrongs do not make a right. Injustice to one is an injustice to all.  An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere. Respect humanity first. No title or salary is worth more than your conscience.