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The firings this week of Alabama football coach Mike Price and Iowa State basketball coach Larry Eustachy for off-the-court behavior underscores the reality that character does matter, both on and off the job.
Price was released from a $10 million contract for publicly visiting topless bars, after being warned to curtail that behavior.
Eustachy was let go for excessive drinking and partying with students.
After the Clinton presidency, an attitude emerged among many that “everybody’s doing it” so why get upset about these things? But the pointed reality still remained?that most senior executives caught “fooling around” with an intern, in the office during working hours, would be released with very little said about it.
Personal behavior on and off the job does impact a person’s ability to lead. In business, any organization ignoring this fact is headed for trouble.
Now, I don’t advocate companies becoming “thought police” or endeavoring to control all behavior of staff. But it should be understood that as a person rises in responsibility, so does the bar of personal conduct. When a leader is inclined to heavy drinking, drug use, or inappropriate “running around” with members of staff, it sends a negative message to colleagues. The ability to be an effective leader diminishes along with the respect of those on staff.
As Eustachy was partying with students all through the night, how could he seriously believe that he could lead those same students the following next day? President Clinton, regardless of your political affiliation, lost his national moral authority after his scandals went public. Apparently, the actions of the two coaches were not illegal, but as the apostle Paul wrote, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful…” (1 Corinthians 10:23 NKJV).
Leaders lose credibility, and the ability to effectively lead when personal conduct makes them look immature and foolish. Business leaders, just like these coaches, need to be mindful that inappropriate behavior may be legal, but is still grounds for dismissal.
Steve Marr is the former CEO of the fourth largest import-export firm in the U.S., a company which facilitated international trade for many of the largest companies in America. Currently, Steve consults with with businesses and ministries utilizing ancient Biblical principles for success in today’s marketplace. Click here to contact Steve, or visit his website at www.businessproverbs.com.