The recent breakdown in trust resulting from the lack of character of some leaders in
corporate America should cause less finger-pointing and more serious introspection. These
leaders are not from outer space, here to impose some alien standard of conduct, but came
from among us and as such, reflect attitudes and values that we have lazily slipped into.
The tendency is to punish the evil-doers and move on confidently in the knowledge that
the problem has been solved. Certainly there should be a punishment and one sufficient
enough to give all of us pause when considering giving in to expediency, but if we are to
solve the problem, the incentive is on us to look at ourselves and shore up our own
character where we find it lacking.
It isnt a problem of an approach that backfired because it wasnt given enough time to run
its course, it was that an approach was taken that was wrong. Betraying the trust of those
you serve even for what is considered to be a desirable end sought by all parties involved
can only hurt everyone connected to the expedient course of action taken.
The expedient course is rarely the best course and in the end it taints us. As English poet
Robert Southey noted, Never let a man imagine that he can pursue a good end by evil
means, without sinning against his own soul. The evil effect on himself is certain
(www.questia.com)
In a less stable world, a leader will rely more on inner resources than on the shifting sands
of social convention. If those inner resources are not built on a solid foundation then that
leader will only contribute to the problem rather than stand as a guiding beacon and
provide the direction we need.
Certainly, the underlying reason for business is to make a profit, but if it cant be made
honestly, then it cant be made. Expediency may lead to short-term gain but long-term
success can only come from a commitment to doing what is right even when that course of
action may not seem to be in our short-term best interest. The 19th century U. S. Navy
oceanographer Matthew Fontaine Maury rightly exhorted us that where principle is
involved, be deaf to expediency (www.confederatenavalhistory.com). Failure to examine
these issues in our own lives willcreate a pool of leaders destined to commit the same
mistakes.
The leadership of Spirit Riders Motorcycle Ministry recognizes that managing ethics is a
