Many years ago, I listened to a speech a congressman made right before he retired. He talked about how all the battles he had fought and won over his years in office would have to be fought over and over again by the younger generation. What he was talking about was that people who are crooks (who lie, who steal) never take a break, and he was exhorting the younger generation to carry on the good fight.
Unfortunately, "good values" are not the only values that are passed on to the next generation. I find it amazing that the same unethical behaviors and tactics I have observed used years and years ago, when I first started working for the tribe, are still in use today. Only the people have changed... or in some cases, I will say the family members have changed.
In many instances, unethical behavior appears to be passed down from parent to child. There is a core group of tribal members who commit unethical workplace behavior over and over again. Typically, they are tribal workers who are not at the very top of the chain-of-command in an organization. Most of the time, they are your average tribal workers who are nice to people outside their jobs, and who are usually involved in community and/or social events. But, do not underestimate their influence. While they quietly go about committing unethical work behavior, they often befriend a lot of people in doing so. They do this for a reason. They are cunning enough to know they might get into trouble at some time in the future, and they will need all the help they can get. This is why they pick the ones they befriend very carefully. They want people who will ignore their unethical behavior and support them regardless.
The membership of this unholy group is usually very fluid. Its members come and go depending upon whatever the issue is. Some of the characteristics they share are: cowardice, greed, and dishonesty, and they are inclined to defend nepotism and favoritism.
As I said, most of the time, they go quietly about their unethical behavior, but watch out if someone tries to reform them, or if they are recruited by another member of their group to help protect one of their kind who is in trouble. Then, they can turn as mean as snakes. They are not afraid to intimidate people by banding together and ganging up on whoever opposes them; and it doesn't matter who. Other workers, supervisors, CEOs, and tribal council persons, alike, are all subject to their unholy wrath.
Probably, the most common example of the cowardly, dishonest, bullying type of behavior that this group is capable of is when one of their own who is in an influential position is fired or has to resign from his or her job. Here is what usually happens:
1. Once the person is fired or resigns, this group immediately, but quietly (some might say sneakily), begins to work to get it reversed. Why? Is it because they are true friends with the individual? Is it because of loyalty? Absolutely not! It is because the individual was in a position to do them favors with the program or the position's resources. They are very skillful in the art of schmoozing anyone who has the influence to reverse the decision.
2. When Step 1 doesn't work, they ignore the fact that the person deserved to be fired. Instead, they talk about all the "good" this person has done on the job and how no one else "will be able to" do the job as good as him or her. By now, they are becoming vocal and a little threatening.
3. When Step 1 and 2 doesn't work, they do the next best thing - they blame someone else. Although this claim is so obviously a ploy, they do it with a straight face and a lot of passion. After all, they have a lot to lose.
4. When Steps 1, 2, and 3 do not work, the gloves come off. They lie. They threaten. They organize groups of tribal members to protest, and they schmooze everyone and anyone who they think will help them.
Some of their unethical ways were learned on the job, but most were passed down to them from someone older than them, usually, from someone they admired and respected. Because of that, some of them really do not fathom that what they are doing is just plain wrong. They are incapable of self-honesty. This is why this group of unethical tribal workers is as strong today as they were over 20 years ago when I first started working for the tribe. And this group will continue to exist. They will continue to hold the tribe back from making progress in all areas, unless you have the courage and honesty to stand up to them.
I know it is easier said than done. But these people have feelings, too. Many of them are not exactly courageous types and will back down when someone stands up to them. And although it may not seem like it, most of them do know the difference between right and wrong and will listen to a strong honest voice. I hope this voice will be you.
