Becoming a Leader of Character by James L. Anderson

Author:James L. Anderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Published: 2016-03-13T16:00:00+00:00

Unethical Rule Followers

At West Point, as in many organizations, there are rules and regulations people must follow. But what West Point realizes and that many organizations fail to consider is that we can all be unethical rule followers. Just because we do not break the law or a corporate regulation does not make us a person of Integrity.

West Point teaches the “Three Rules of Thumb” that are meant to guide cadets and officers toward wise and honorable decisions. Because every decision we make in life will not be specifically covered by rules, regulations, or laws, these “Three Rules of Thumb” can help all of us as we evaluate our motives prior to taking action.

1. Does this action attempt to deceive anyone or allow anyone to be deceived?

2. Does this action allow the gain of privilege or advantage to which I or someone else would not otherwise be entitled?

3. Would I be satisfied with the outcome if I were on the receiving end of this action?

As we examine our decisions through the lens of the “Three Rules of Thumb,” it becomes clear that Integrity goes beyond just knowing the rules and following them. We need to consider if deception or gaining an undeserved advantage might be involved. Integrity also goes beyond just doing the right thing, for we can do what is right for the wrong reasons. Integrity goes to a different level, a deeper one, when we understand that it includes the motives that undergird our actions. We must consider our choices carefully.

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