"Dear Stan, Thanks for using judgment worse than my own and for getting me out of the news. Love, Tony."Hayward, of course, is the former BP executive in charge of the oil spill in its 65th day of ruining in the Gulf of Mexico. In the days leading up to the oil spill and immediately following it, Hayward's poor judgment included risking lives and livelihoods for the sake of a dollar, including deceased advisers in the plan to remedy the situation, botching oil containment, and most recently, enjoying a yacht race while eleven families mourned their loved ones who died in the blast which led to oil gushing in the Gulf.
What? A yacht race? Yes, Hayward made other more harmful lapses in judgment, but that one gives insight into just who Hayward is and who he thinks he is. BR replaced him this morning, which should give him insight into just who he is.
As for General McChrystal, the poor judgment that lands him on the front pages of news outlets an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in which he and his staff express dislike for President Obama and make fun of Vice President Biden. Being a non-military expert, I cannot speak to the General's judgment beyond this situation.
The General's apology (heck, at least he issued one, unlike his co-judgment-lapser Hayward) issued in a Pentagon statement said,
"I extend my sincerest apology for this profile. It was a mistake reflecting poor judgment and should never have happened," McChrystal said in a Pentagon statement. "Throughout my career, I have lived by the principles of personal honor and professional integrity. What is reflected in this article falls far short of that standard." (SOURCE: www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/23/general.mcchrystal.obama.apology/index.html?hpt=T1)BP replaced Hayward, and General McChrystal apologized. Shouldn't all be forgiven and the news return to the latest The Bachelor breakup, World Cup games, and Apple products?
Not so fast.
Since these highly accomplished professional men made such egregious errors, let's assume there are folks out there who need a refresher when it comes to errors in judgment.
Take these three rules to heart to avoid the effect of poor judgment in the future:
- Your reputation will carry you only so far. You can claim to live by high standards, but your behavior indicates otherwise, it is your behavior upon which you will be judged. Do not expect different.
- Mistakes can be forgiven and forgotten when genuine remorse and concern are shown, but do not excuse yourself by saying things like, "We're all human. Everyone makes mistakes." Statements like that undermine an apology. Plus, they just sound whiny and unprofessional.
- Never publicly disparage your bosses, or their bosses, even in jest. If you have to be told not to do that in front of a journalist, then your judgment truly is pitiful. People will bridge the gap between "wow, he thought it was okay to say that to a journalist" and "he must be unfit to perform his duties." Expect consequences if you break Working Rule #1.
If the General loses his job over the comments he and his staff made, perhaps they ought to be sending him flowers today.
