Well, this was a big week (seems like every week has been a big week since 2020 started 😖). I don't see how I can share career insights this week WITHOUT discussing the elephant in the room. The impeachment trial is over, but not without its casualties. And Mitt Romney will surely be one of them.
This week's top 3 career-makers will be all about Mitt. His actions and decisions create invaluable career lessons for all of us, no matter what side of the aisle you choose. So grab a cup of coffee and reflect on how this situation could impact your career decisions and behavior in the future (or maybe it already has?)
Disclaimer: I am not debating whether or not he made the correct choice. I am not wading into the argument about whether Trump should have been removed from office.
We all face moral choices at work. As we decide which route to take, it is important to weigh the consequences when making our decisions. The consequences may determine what we decide, how we decide it, or whether we make an altogether different choice.
1. Lesson 1: Choices Have Serious Consequences: Abuse, Loss of Friends and No Support
Mitt explained that he had to follow his conscience and vote to impeach Trump, knowing he would face abuse: “I am sure to hear abuse from the president and his supporters,” he explained. His decision to vote for impeachment is profoundly important because he was the only Republican senator who voted to impeach a President in his own party. Ever.
On the one side, he will be blacklisted by his own party. There has already been a bill to have him censured. They may even decide to expel him from the Republican party.
At work, you may be asked to "look the other way", fudge some numbers, sell a faulty product, sell or develop a dangerous product, make a recommendation that is completely wrong and dishonest, or do other things that are immoral and go against your values. If you speak up, you may find that you are walking a very lonely road. That doesn't mean you shouldn't make the decision to say something, try to correct the problem or walk away. That just means you need to be aware that other people may actively tarnish your reputation for hurting "the team".
You want to document EVERYTHING. Keep an e-trail. Keep good records of everything that is happening. And, don't trust your manager or other people to protect you. Unfortunately, I have seen people get burned over and over again by people they thought would protect them. At the end of the day, many people will look out for themselves.
2. Lesson 2: You Could Lose Your Job
Mitt's choice may result in the end of his political career. He has had a long career. He also has enough wealth to carry him through retirement and beyond. But not everyone is in the same financial situation. You may be early in your career and actually need to work.
Keep in mind that once you become the whistleblower, you may find yourself in the unemployment line. It might not happen right away. It might not even be direct. Instead of firing you, the company may want to "appear" like they valued your honesty and choices. You might even be put in charge of remediating the situation! But, then things could change. You might not get bonuses, receive poor performance reviews, get passed over for promotions and opportunities or generally be pushed aside.
3. Lesson 3: It MIGHT BE Hard to Find ANOTHER Job
Mitt can retire. He can walk away and he will feel good about the decision he made. He doesn't NEED another job. Some people just want him to resign now.
This could be the most serious consequence. In today's world, the internet makes it remarkably easy to find information, misinformation and fake news. And the people that were professionally tarnished for being part of the coverup will have long memories. They could make it hard for you to find another job.
Key Takeaways
We all face moral choices in our role. Some are minor. Some have big implications (even Bernie Madoff wants to die out of jail).
As you consider your choice, make sure to put protections in place to ensure you are still able to find employment. Create a "paper" trail. Get allies. You might even need legal support. You don't have to do things that go against your moral fiber. But you do want to understand the consequences and ensure you can still find employment somewhere else (even if you have to change industries or cities).
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