The Bathsheba Syndrome

The Bathsheba Syndrome

The story of David and Bathsheba is well known in both Old Testament and Torah accounts. King David is described as an able, charismatic leader of high moral character with strong organizational skills and a brilliant strategic vision for his country.

The Bathsheba Syndrome: The Ethical Failure of Successful Leaders

David’s failings as a leader were dramatic by any standard. They included an affair, and in his attempt to cover it up, the corruption of other leaders, deception, drunkenness, murder, the loss of innocent lives, and a “we beat the system” attitude when he thought he had hidden his crimes. The good, bright, successful, visionary king was nearly destroyed because he could not control his desire for something he knew was wrong for him to have—Bathsheba, the beautiful wife of his military commander. This led to his traumatic failure as a leader and moral crisis as a man.

Authors Dean Ludwig and Clinton Longnecker’s finding is that principle is abandoned more often in the wake of success than in the face of competitive pressure. So, why, the writers ask, are success and ethical failure related? The authors examine the four dynamics of success that can lead to ethical failure.

1. Personal and organization success often leads to complacency and loss of focus and thus diversion of attention to non-company pursuits.

How often have we seen executives lead their companies to the top with displays of exceptional courage and energy who then put their organizations on autopilot, kick-back and indulge themselves.

2. Success often leads to privileged access to information, people, or objects.

Many recent scandals evolved from the inability of leaders to understand that privileged access is supposed to give the perspective to lead more effectively —not to satisfy personal wants.

3. Success leads to unrestrained control of organizational resources.

In the present day examples of unrestrained control of resources can result in expense...