The Great Cover-up

Actions have consequences, I know that much. Recently we've had to let go of one of our staff in the department I supervise after it was found that his integrity was compromised and highly questionable. If was a painful decision as I always feel responsible for the failures of the members of my team, but a necessary one.

I remember when I discovered his infractions I was faced with the option of either dealing silently or escalating for it to be handled. As much as I don't like negative publicity coming out of my department, the latter option was really the only feasible option for me. Choosing to escalate wasn't a matter of mere choice but also one of absolute necessity.

People are always watching. A cover up today might create an absolute disaster tomorrow. While empathy of course comes with relationships and being human, there must be some form of detachment between our personal opinions and professional actions. When actions are taken that in one way or the other affects or impacts a number of people you can be rest assured that they are being watched.

I've had to remind myself that I'll always stick my neck out for my team as long as there are justifiable reasons to do so. However, in cases of questionable integrity the line has to be drawn between what is right and what is isn't.