The Moral Licensing Trap
Does doing good give the permission to do bad?
Hello and Welcome to the First Edition of Leadership Campfire! A newsletter by ARC.
Every 15 Days, we’ll be in your inbox sharing stories, ideas and frameworks related to the vast concept of Leadership- and how you can apply them to become better leaders in your workspace and your life!
Here is an idea that might help you to Pause and Reflect.
Does doing good give the permission to do bad?
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.
We would love to know your thoughts, let’s start a conversation!
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