What Are Your Norms? Pt. 2

By now everyone has probably read on the Sports Illustrated article on the horrific allegations of sexual harassment, domestic violence and employees watching pornography at their cubicles. As one person put it in their words, it was an "animal house," essentially meaning that the inmates were allowed to run the asylum. Many of the employees involved, primarily former team president Terdema Ussery, are no longer there. This morning, owner Mark Cuban, who was not named one of the perpetrators, fired the head of Human Resources and quickly denounced the actions.

Obviously many people want to ask, "What exactly did Cuban know?" He went to the defense of not knowing that this was going on, and despite reports to the contrary, has stood by that statement. Now, in this era of the #MeToo movement, that is open for debate, but the issue here is what we can learn from this situation.

Often there are times in which we may not be aware of the issues going on around us. Whether you're a parent, teacher, vice president or CEO, there are times in which the culture you attempt to establish may go awry, and people begin to go their own route. Think of the children of Israel once Moses went up to the mountaintop. Disaster strikes, but how you deal with it is the real answer. It demonstrates your character and willingness to step in and make it right.

Look at what happened to Rick Pitino and Louisville earlier this year. He had an opportunity to right a wrong and instead decided that he was going to allow things to continue. He is now persona non grata in college basketball, a legacy destroyed. Do you have the ability to stand for what is right when all you see around you is wrong?

If you don't believe in Cuban's knowledge of what happened, that's one thing, but applaud him for doing what was best for the organization and for those who were unnecessarily harmed.