Grappling with the Gray #124: Do white lies lead to gray truth?

Is a little deception ever a good thing?

That's the question that drives the conversation when 🎙️William C. Attaway, ☘️Mark O'Brien, and • Sue Tinnish, PhD join the ethics panel to Grapple with the Gray.

Here is our topic:

On June 20, President Trump told the world he would decide "within the next two weeks" whether to strike Iran. Two days later, B-2 stealth bombers dropped 30-ton bombs in an effort to cripple Iran’s nuclear program.

"It was a head fake," a Trump adviser told Axios. "He knew the media couldn't resist amplifying it. He knew the Iranians might think he was bluffing. Well, everyone was wrong."

"The president wanted to buy time," another adviser said. "He knew what he wanted to do. And he knows he can't look eager for war. So all the folks in MAGA urging restraint gave him some space." At the same time, Trump remained open to aborting the mission if a diplomatic window emerged.

For purposes of this discussion, let’s assume that eliminating Iran’s nuclear capability was a wise and defensible decision. But what about the President’s use of deception and disinformation to do it?

If a leader can benefit his people (in this case, possibly saving many lives) through misdirection, does that justify doing so. Or could the long term loss to future credibility outweigh the short term benefits? If he lies about this, will people not wonder what else he is lying about?

Meet the panel:

William Attaway is an executive coach, speaker and podcaster, helping 7 & 8 figure entrepreneurs, C-suite leaders, & agency owners achieve clear-minded focus, calm control, & confidence.

Mark O’Brien is founder and principal of O’Brien Communications Group, a B2B brand-management and marketing-communications firm — and host of The Anxious Voyage, a syndicated radio show about life’s trials and triumphs.

Sue Tinnish is an executive coach, employing a unique blend of soft skills and technical knowledge, as well as a Peer Leaders Group Chair with Vistage Worldwide, Inc.

#ethics 

#leadership 

#integrity 

#accountability 

#culture