I always appreciate Michael Wade’s perspective. So when he asks things like: Are These the Top 12 Rationalizations for Unethical Behavior? I pay attention. From his post:
- I need to do it.
- Everybody does it.
- If I don’t do it then somebody else will.
- It’s legal.
- When in Rome do as the Romans do.
- They owe me.
- I didn’t lie. I just didn’t tell the whole story or the truth.
- They’ll never miss it.
- I deserve it.
- There are people who do a whole lot worse.
- I’m fighting fire with fire.
- I was just following orders.
Other contenders?
Oh, here’s one that I’ve frequently seen in recent years: “I didn’t have time.”