Don’t fret when board meetings run into the wee hours of the night - unless they veer off course.
Recently, former CEO of Boeing Company, Harry Stonecipher, turned his private desires into a “Corporate Affair” when he included another female executive in his meeting agendas. His sudden ouster from Boeing Company was the last thing he dreamed would appear in the corporate record. No company welcomes such bad publicity - especially when it topples their chief officer.
Stockholders were the most shocked by the announcement. This exercise in “poor judgment” left many wondering what it would cost them. Boeing’s decisive corporate rendering will resound for years to come and a paradigm to the world.
This high profile “Corporate Affair” that Boeing grounded will lead the way for others to rethink their own policies. I would guess corporate meetings across the country will restructure the way this issue is addressed. Next month’s agenda might include provisions for “corporate affairs.” If companies have not readied a workplace infidelity contingency plan, it’s time is now.
In fact, if Human Resources personnel are not scrambling to put a stern policy in place they are remiss. Every Employee Handbook needs a strict warning setting the record straight - adultery is strictly “off limits”. Another noble course of action is to post “No Cheating - Violators will be Fired” signs on boardroom doors. Otherwise “copy cats” will cozy their way in without warning and give Boeing some robust competition. Posting the warning is prudent, however decisive action is imperative.
Why do high profile executives and leaders risk it all?
Most adulterers living the “high life” feel a sense of impenetrability. They live fast, run hard, but haphazardly drop their guard. (They lose their Teflon coating). Repeatedly media outlets, history books and journalists reveal how affairs topple leaders quicker than any other misnomer. Don’t they read these warnings?
Cyclically a simple workplace affair evolves into a way of life. A fogged sense of purpose, pride, and egotism takes root. Little by little the capacity to say “no” eludes their sense of judgment. They never see the impending danger, much like a deer frozen in oncoming headlights. It’s always too late!
Where are most affairs culminated?
Adulterous relationships ignite in the office, the cafeteria, the work floor, during sales calls, or corporate conventions. More often then not investigators unearth paramours at the workplace. After more than three decades of rigorous observations I have personally corroborated workplace affairs numerous times.
Did Boeing Company take the “bull by the horns”?
Of course they did. One of the most common tactics employed by intelligence agencies is to compromise key targets with “good ole fashion sex”. Once a victim indulges they are trapped. The capacity for trustworthiness totally diminishes, they become compromised. The fallout often includes; job losses, stolen trade secrets, blackmail, information leaks, and loss of business. Boeing’s firm action may have avoided these crises. They made the right choice. Any company faced with the decision to retain a compromised leader would be foolish not to react like Boeing.
Despite the fact that many courtrooms render no punishment on matters of adultery, “Corporate America” should execute swift and prevailing judgment.
So what lesson is learned from Mr. Harry Stonecipher’s demise?
It’s just plain vanilla. Adultery does not belong in the workplace and should not be tolerated. Companies must establish a comprehensive policy barring adultery with fellow employees - exempting none. In your next board meeting make sure a newly instituted “anti-adultery” policy receives utmost attention – or else! All this bad press is an unwelcome bedfellow.
В© Bill Mitchell 2005
Bill Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, is an internationally renowned author who is recognized for his practical, solution-based investigative strategies to marriages facing infidelity. As a recognized expert on infidelity and child custody, Bill Mitchell appears regularly as a guest expert on TV and national talk shows including Dr. Phil, Today Show, and The Early Show. He has been interviewed by numerous publications including Chicago Tribune, Esquire, Ladies Home Journal Online, and PI Magazine.
Bill Mitchell is the author of two books including Adultery: Facing Its Reality and The More You Know – Getting the evidence and support you need to investigate a troubled relationship (Eagle’s Nest Publications, LLC 2004).
Bill Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, is a licensed private investigator in South Carolina. He was formerly licensed in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and District of Columbia. He has a wide range of investigative experience, including work in corporate fraud, civil and criminal investigations, insurance fraud, domestic relations, child custody, physical security, government facilities security, guard force management, background investigations, computer forensics, lie detection (Psychological Stress Evaluator), missing persons, security consulting and guest speaking.
His education includes training by the Department of Defense, Dektor Counterintelligence, New Jersey State Police, and various insurance claims organizations. Bill Mitchell is a member of National Association of Investigative Specialists, Alliance of Investigators and Security Specialists, Carolina Organized Retail Theft Task Force, and Piedmont Claims Association.
Bill Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Mt. St. Mary’s University. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife and four children.
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