Do you understand the impact of your behavior as a leader?  At the time of this writing, Cecil Newton, the father of Heisman front-runner Cam Newton, is alleged to have asked recruiters for $100,00 to $180,00 for his son to bring his extraordinary talents to their school.

If, and I want to emphasize the word “If”, the allegations are verified, the consequences will be severe.  Even if Cam Newton states he is unaware of his father’s actions, he will be ruled ineligible and the penalties against Auburn could be devastating. 

Here are the key takeaways for leaders:

  1. Those Serving Under Great Leadership Will Be Blessed.
  2. Those Serving Under Bad Or Poor Character Leadership Will Suffer.
  3. Those Following A Leader Will Be Directly Affected By The Actions Of That Leader. 
  4. Greedy Leaders Desperately Need To Develop A Heart Of Generosity.

Here are examples of people who experienced the judgement of leadership with little to no character:

  1. WorldCom‘s employees 
  2. The greed associated with the Mortgage and Banking Crisis has affected us all. 
  3. USC has lost 30 football scholarships because of the actions of Reggie Bush’s parents.
  4.  The pain and suffering of the Iraqian citizens because of the Saddam Hussein regime.
  5. Children who grow up in dysfunctional environments because of bad parenting.

As you read that list, a number of other examples are probably coming to your mind.

I hope the allegations by former Mississippi State player Kenny Rogers and now others prove false.  Newton is an incredible talent and  I appreciate his playing personality.  The most joyful images of this college football season are Newton smiling in the student section of Jordan-Hare Stadium after Auburn victories.

To have these images tarnished would be the equivalent of tarnishing Auburn’s Mona Lisa.   Leaders, each of you is crafting a masterpiece on your organization’s campus.  Don’t tarnish it and in the process, negatively affect the lives of those who have put their trust in you.

OK readers, give me your thoughts.  Do you think the allegations are legit?

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