[August 16, 2017] This is the last entry in a two-part series on how leaders can avoid scandal (see Part 1 link here). The best solution to avoiding problems associated with a scandal is to not have them in the first place. Yes, we must assume a scandal will take place and establish procedures to ameliorate the impacts, but more important, leaders are obligated to do those things necessary to prevent the original scandal.
“If there’s a line you don’t want to cross, you don’t even walk up to it – you stop three feet in front of it.” – U.S. Vice President Mike Pence
In the study of scandal that occurs in organizations, there are several lessons that can be learned that will help leaders. The easiest one to identity is severe punishment (which comes in many varieties). Of interest here to us is that it provides future motivation for those contemplating doing something illegal, immoral, or unethical and, theoretically, pushes people to avoid it.
There are ways that are better for leaders who are interested in establishing organizational-based methods to avoid scandal; those proven to be effective. What makes this so crucial is that the leaders themselves can personally implement such procedures.
- Clarify decision-making authority: Leaders that are well informed, understand their decision boundaries, are accountable, and have clarity in part they play in any organization will be less likely to conduct themselves in an unauthorized manner. Decision making should be synchronized across an organization anyway; by doing it openly and with greater clarity creates greater efficiencies and resolves unknowns.
- Strive for excellence in operational standards: It is one thing to have a standard and everyone attempt to achieve the minimum required, but to establish high standards and provide the ethical educational and resources to achieve them is something different. Excellence in organizational behavior requires a work culture attuned to it and the esprit de corps to carry them out.
- Establish simplicity in organizational values, purpose, mission, and vision: Typically, an organization creates a long, complex list of values and a general statement on what direction it is headed. Organizations are complex entities, the better to simply and emphasize those behaviors desired to achieve its ends. Experienced mentors, coaches, and teachers can help this process.
- Ensure leaders have the requisite expertise and wisdom; and are chosen on the basis of merit: Those who strive for openness and fairness in their dealings with other company executives, clients, and the public are those that are best at avoiding scandal. They are the ones who can identify problems early and the conditions under which those problems perpetuate. Give these leaders the resources and authority to do so.
There are many other methods but the five listed here are those that will have the greatest effect on avoiding a scandal.1 The ultimate duty of a leader is to establish ways that lead to an ethical, legal, and moral organization. Next time when you hear that leaders need to do better, this is what is being discussed.
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- Other ways include: have positive role models, document in detail, build a culture of respect, protect confidentiality, educate the workforce on doing the right thing (ethics), and avoid politics in business.