Impactful leaders recognize the importance of culture. So, don’t shoot yourself in the foot by tolerating bad behavior that damages culture.
Invariably, poor character produces inappropriate behavior. Then, organizations compound the problem behavior by looking the other way. Unfortunately, the issues will not heal themselves.
The Essentials
Proverbs 29.16 observes that when there are lots of dishonest and unprincipled people there will also be lots of problems. Well, duh!
Seriously, the more a leader, or an organization, tolerates inappropriate behavior, the more widespread it becomes. Hence, the old saying “you get the culture you’re willing to tolerate.”
So, don’t shoot yourself in the foot. That is, don’t tolerate behavior that will lead to problems down the road.
Now, when those problem characters get into positions of leadership what results is multiplication of dishonest and unprincipled behavior. Why? Because culture spreads from the top down.
Actually, this is the multiplication principle working against us!
Similarly, the precept in Proverbs 29.2 says people respond, positively or negatively, depending on the integrity of those in leadership.
Moreover, it’s tough for line managers to hold the line on principled dealings when the constant pressure from the top is to find a way forward — at all costs.
Apply This Today!
First, don’t buy the rationale that you can get away with this. Fact is, at some point even something like an incorrect entry on a resume will come back to bite you.
Next, don’t rely on formal systems such as hot lines to build your culture. Instead, leaders should build culture by their words and actions.
Most critically, when people of faith tolerate dishonest leaders they destroy their testimony, thus their influence, in the world.
More telling is when leaders claim to be people of faith but lack integrity. And, they claim to have done nothing wrong. Now, don’t be that leader!
Instead, be a leader of integrity, as described in Proverbs 29.2. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot!
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