You Can Be An Unethical Rule Follower
I pushed the limits as a cadet at West Point. I marched well over 100 hours of punishment tours during my four years in school. There were a lot of ways to get in trouble, and a lot of rules to tell us what not to do.
Every violation of the rules at West Point had a title that described the offense. The most unique title for a violation of the rules was “Gross Lack of Judgment.” Basically it was a catch all phrase that meant a cadet did something that no one had anticipated needing to create a rule to prevent!
Intent to Deceive?
Gross Lack of Judgment
“Gross Lack of Judgment” was West Point’s way of acknowledging that no leader or organization can create enough rules to prevent every bad behavior possible. If a 200 year old institution built on character and discipline can’t create enough rules to keep every poor behavior in check, what makes any of us think we can?
Following The Rules Is Not Enough
Just because I follow the rules, it does not necessarily make me a person of high character. Following the rules is a good indicator of high character, but each of us can be unethical and still follow the rules.
TV lawyers make it seem ethical to do whatever it takes to win as long as there is not a rule against it. Many people believe that in real life as well.
Athletes will attempt to deceive a referee by pointing in the opposite direction even if they were the last person to touch the ball. There is no rule against that. But is it ethical? What does it tell you about the athlete’s character?
A salesperson may recommend a more expensive product that has features well beyond what the customer actually needs. There is no rule against that. But is it ethical? What does it tell you about the salesperson’s character?
The key question we all must ask ourselves is:
“Was there an attempt to deceive someone else?”
The Bottom Line:
I crossed many well defined lines and got in trouble at West Point. The Academy that’s been developing leaders of character for two centuries recognizes that some bad behavior is not defined by rules. That is why they have the violation titled “Gross Lack of Judgment”.
I am always wary of people who say things like, “There is not a rule against it.” That is a pretty low standard to clear. If I choose to be in a business or personal relationship with someone, I choose to associate with people who will do the right thing whether a rule exists or not.
To truly be a man of character, I must demonstrate character when the rule book does not help.
To truly be a man of character, I must draw my own line when no line has been drawn for me.
What kind of shape is your character in? Take the following FREE and PRIVATE My Mirror Character Assessment by clicking here:
Question:
What ethical failures have you encountered that are not covered by the rules?
Becoming a Leader of Character – Six Habits that Make or Break a Leader at Work and at Home is available for order at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online retailers.
Try these links:
Amazon: bit.ly/LOCBook
Barnes and Noble: Becoming a Leader of Character
One of your most thought provoking and unique posts. Puts words to something I have always felt but never uttered out loud. As you well know, I was lucky enough not to get caught during my moments of mostly beer related “GLOJ” but like you was always prepared to own them. While I did not always apply those higher standards at Cullum and Eisenhower Halls, I am thankful I made it to adulthood with them firmly ingrained.
Thanks Mark. I agree with you on all counts. The lessons did sink in even though we might have pushed the limits of good judgment when we were younger.
Excellent post Mark!
Great post, Dave. I often think about the young man I was as a cadet and later as a young infantry officer. Basically young and dumb. The dumb part had to do with understanding what true character really is. My life’s journey has brought me through some key decisions and battles that have deepened my understanding of and appreciation for what true character looks like. I have learned that it shows itself when no one is looking and when I am at my weakest.