[Verse 1]
Dan made the call, his judgment sound
Hired the right one, turned things around
Delivery flowing, results came through
But whispers started, "How could you?"
[Chorus]
Six steps down the exit road
When competence becomes your load
Confirmation, dissonance, identity shake
Repair, withdrawal, then the break
The sequence plays out every time
High performers cross the line
[Verse 2]
Despite success, the system spoke
"Your methods here just won't provoke
The right response," they seemed to say
"There's got to be another way"
[Chorus]
Six steps down the exit road
When competence becomes your load
Confirmation, dissonance, identity shake
Repair, withdrawal, then the break
The sequence plays out every time
High performers cross the line
[Bridge]
"If I can't use my judgment here
What am I accountable for?"
The question echoes, crystal clear
As trust walks out the door
[Verse 3]
He fixed the visible, sponsor pleased
But upward trust was still diseased
Pulled back to delivery's safe embrace
While politics lost his face
[Chorus]
Six steps down the exit road
When competence becomes your load
Confirmation, dissonance, identity shake
Repair, withdrawal, then the break
The sequence plays out every time
High performers cross the line
[Outro]
Called it values, called it right
But surfaced early, could've won the fight
The pattern's there for those who see
The unwritten code of company