What lessons can we learn from the WorldCom debacle or how can we identify a situation that could become a slippery slope? (see last week's entry)

The concept of a slippery slope asserts that a minor violation or infraction to a moral code or the law will gradually lead to more serious offences that ultimately can culminate in very serious consequences. Some people believe that the slippery slope concept is a fallacy that certain events will not inevitably lead to other events. However, human psychology and experience allow us to consider it seriously.

The concept of the slippery slope is also one linked to the understanding of conscience.
I remember the story of a man who was driving very late at night in a remote area. He accidentally hit a pedestrian. Seeing no one around, without any hesitation he just took off. He was later caught (or turned himself in) and did jail time. He now speaks in public about his experience and makes the point that it was because of the many prior minor violations of his values and conscience that he did not even hesitate before taking off.

How can we identify and avoid a slippery slope situation?

1. The mere fact that we ask ourselves that question is an important step. Being aware that we may be faced with such a situation might protect us.
2. We should exercise caution remembering that the first step is the most critical.
3. We should resist the temptation to cut corners and take risks even when the pressure of the work environment presses us to do so.
4. We should learn from the experience of others. If it happened to them, it can happen to anyone of us.
5. We should get advice from a respected counselor or even colleagues whether the step we contemplate taking could lead to a slippery slope situation.
6. We should be willing to exercise morale courage.

I am sure that David Myers, of WorldCom, with 20-20 hindsight, would agree. He told the judge, at his sentencing: "At the time I consider to be the single most critical character-defining moment of my life, I failed."

As Michael Josephson, of the Josephson Institute said:

"Moral courage is a body-guard to conscience and character."