⛺️ Does doing good give permission to do bad?
[Founder's Note: This piece was written on 21st August 2024, in ARC's Leadership Campfire, inspired by a conversation we had with a CEO regarding a Leadership Development Project. The Moral Licensing Trap was something that I kept falling for myself, particularly when it came to allowing myself that extra treat after I've done some kind of physical activity. I promised myself that I'll only write this piece once I've overcome falling into this trap. ]
Enjoy this little reflection. And if it sparks a memory of your own, hit reply and tell me :) ]
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— Adi Raheja
Illustrated by Nidhi Mittal (Our in-house Visual Designer)
The Moral Licensing Trap!
Like someone allowing themself to have that cheesecake because they dieted all day.
Like the parents who 'do' a lot of good (providing, expressing love, allowing) for their kids also give themselves the permission to do bad (scolding, controlling, demanding).
During one of our projects, we interviewed the CEO who boasted about all the good he had done for his people. He went of his way to help them personally and professionally.
Surprisingly, people had a different narrative. During our interactions they complained of the CEO's rudeness, control, firing people on the spot, and demanding nature.
Confused with the contradiction, we validated the CEO's claims and the group unanimously responded 'That also is true but that doesn’t give him the permission to behave like this.'
Like this CEO, many organisations & leaders fall into the Moral Licensing trap. They do a lot of good and also allow themselves to do the bad.
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