Ethics

Consistently people will select "honesty" as an attribute in an admired leader.

A very interesting survey indicates that business leaders define honesty creatively - example - business executives who golfed: 99% said they were honest in golf. 82% said they undercount the number of strokes and improve the lie of the ball (for those of you who don't golf, both are cheating). 99% said that people who cheat in golf are likely to cheat in business.

Denial. It doesn't just happen to people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. It is happening to everyone who is addicted to the adrenaline rush of success. We want more and more of it and in the high of the moment we forget our principles.

A partner I once worked for doesn't have this problem. She has represented nationwide businesses and multi-national corporations. She did not get high on the adrenaline rush of having such status.

She took care of her people - she did not blame an underling for a problem when talking to a client. On a case for one of these powerful clients, I made a significant error that led to a cascade of problems - she did not hang me out to dry.

She walked her talk and was courageous enough to fire this powerful client for various reasons I won't get into. But the point is, she was willing to risk loss of money and status because her principles were more important to her than financial success.

She spoke out within her law firm on issues of honesty and fairness even though her position was very unpopular. She stood her ground even when she was criticized.

We need more of this kind of courage and integrity in our country.