Leadership Isn’t Measured in Titles — It’s Measured in Integrity

By: Angela Harrison, MBA, MLS

I never imagined that advocating for myself would one day be treated as a reason for retaliation.

For nearly a year, I carried out the responsibilities of a higher-level role — leading, problem-solving, stepping up where needed, and delivering results that aligned with the expectations of that position. So when the role officially opened, I did what any dedicated professional would do: I applied. I competed internally and externally. I earned the title I had already been performing.

But what happened next revealed a hard truth about workplace culture.

A compensation adjustment was entered without conversation or context.While others in comparable roles received the standard increase, mine was reduced by approximately 13% — not because of poor performance, not because my work didn’t meet expectations, but because I had previously advocated for fair compensation when I was hired. The very action that demonstrated confidence, professionalism, and self-respect was used to justify paying me less.

When I asked HR for clarity, they declined to discuss it. I was redirected to leadership, only to be told she had “advocated the best she could,” and that this was essentially a “take it or leave it” decision.

This isn’t about entitlement.

This is about ethics.

About transparency.

About accountability.

You cannot claim to champion integrity while penalizing the people who demonstrate it.

When organizations retaliate, subtly or directly, against individuals who advocate for themselves, they don’t just damage morale. They undermine trust. They dismantle psychological safety. And they reveal a culture where silence is more comfortable than fairness.

To anyone facing similar treatment, I want you to hear this clearly:

Document everything.

Protect your peace.

And remember: professionalism does not require silence.

Your voice is not a liability.Your worth is not negotiable.Your courage to speak up is not the problem — it’s often the truth they don’t want to face.

Keep standing tall.

The right workplace won’t punish you for advocating for yourself, it will appreciate you for it.