A note to liars, cheats, and other jerks
So you cheated on your wife, got caught with your hand in the cookie jar, or got trapped in a lie.
Don’t look surprised. You knew there was a chance that we’d find out.
What were you thinking?
Don’t tell us it was a lapse of judgment. Don’t tell us you didn’t mean it. And please don’t tell us that other people do the same thing.
We’re not stupid.
Your behavior wasn’t an oversight. It wasn’t an error. The fact is, you did it consciously.
Please don’t insult us by trying to smooth our ruffled feathers or by doing some half-hearted damage control.
It won’t work.
You should have thought twice before acting like an idiot.
You may be thinking, how am I ever going to put this behind me? What’ll it take to get back to business as usual?
Forget it!
You should be thinking more about the people you hurt than about yourself.
You deceived people who looked up to you. You hurt people you care about. And, you turned your back on people who placed their trust in you.
You brought shame to yourself, your family, and to the organization you represent. And now you’re too weak to accept responsibility for your action.
Sorry? That’s not enough. It’s simply the easy way out for cowards like you.
Oh, by the way, please don’t ask the attorneys or PR folks to cover up for your misdeeds. You’re only going to make matters worse.
It’s time for you to accept your punishment like a “man.”
The fact is, your actions have consequences.
Your reputation is like a shadow that will follow you around for your entire life.
Once you’re guilty of an indiscretion, it will take a lot more effort to earn back the respect of those whose trust you lost.
Maybe next time, you’ll listen to your conscience. That is, if you have one.
Sleep well tonight.
Additional Reading:
Hey, You’re Only Cheating Yourself
The Poisoning of Our Minds
Not Me
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You don’t make blog entries Frank. You write homilies. And they’re better than any I’ve ever heard from any kind of clergyman.
Thank you.
You’re very, very kind Tom. Thank you so much 🙂
Frank, i do love your mind!
Thanks so much John 🙂
So many people are given a “pass” because of various circumstances: they had a rough childhood, they just lost their job, they are at some kind of disadvantage, blah blah blah. I’m tired of hearing the excuses. Unfortunately, some sympathize with these jerks out of misplaced love, professional ties or basic stupidity. Thus the dysfunctional beat of these jerks gets justified and on goes on to live another day.
I wholeheartedly agree with you Rossana. We create a slippery slope when we let people off the hook for their indiscretions. And, over time it becomes accepted practice.
Have a great day!
best,
Frank
Such a needed word and frankly you’re brave to write it. Thank you.
Thank YOU Karla for taking the time to comment. I’m glad that the post was meaningful for you.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Best,
Frank
I see this was written many months ago, yet fits well with a couple political races in New York today. Great words of wisdom often speak to yet unknown future events, and this is a good example, typical of principled expressions.
Well stated Frank.
Thanks Tim
Sometimes, I shake my head and ask myself, why? The truth is, if you’re a role model, you are in a position to influence people every day. It’s important to be a positive force.
Best,
Frank
Thank you so much for this Frank.
Honestly, you come out with very true thought provoking articles. It’s lovely. Your articles make my day. Everyday I learn something or the other from every post. I’m an ardent follower and fan of you and your posts. I tweet a lot of your articles. My handle – @vaish1703.
All the logic of life my mom use to give me never got into me when I was a kid but now it all comes back to me and I read similar and more from your article and also from the pages called The Idealist and The Peaceful Warrior.
Anyway, thank you so much, again for all that you’re doing. You’re helping a lot of us directly or indirectly.
God bless you 🙂 (Though, I guess I’m a lot younger to you.. haha)
Keep it coming!
Regards,
Vaishnav
Thank you Vaishnav. You made my day
Three years ago we started this blog to discuss the importance of personal values and personal responsibility. Nothing makes me happier than to hear that we are making a difference in your life. (And, that they reinforce much of your Mom’s advice.)
Thank you SO much for taking the time to write to me, and for sharing the posts with your friends and colleagues.
Have an awesome day!
Best,
Frank
I really have been enjoying reading your posts even the ones from a couple years ago. Your words are true and can hit home on so many levels.
Hi Layla.
I’m so glad you like our posts.
Thanks for taking the time to write me. I appreciate it. Please stop by again, soon.
Best,
Frank