We learned it at a young age: there are always consequences. Sometimes good ones, sometimes bad.
No one argues that San Francisco QB Colin Kaepernick doesn’t have a right to do what he wants. Our country was built on that principle, thankfully. But when a public figure chooses not to honor the flag of the country he lives in (and financially flourishes in) in a public fashion on a national/global stage, they have to do so knowing such actions will bring consequences — and not always the ones they wanted.
Sponsorships. Fan loyalty. Fan outrage. Personal safety. Current job. Personal stress. Corporate brand damage. Personal brand damage. The list is long and the shelf-life longer.
When you’re in a similar situation with a boss or client, the first thing to ask them is, “What is your objective with all of this? What do you want to accomplish? What price are you willing to pay?”
Knowing those answers will let you know which way to set the direction, which includes bravely telling them your best perspective on consequences they will certainly face. For more, ask here.