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How To Say No.

Rich Gee Group

Because most requests have a tinge of self-esteem built into them — you have to keep it up while letting them down easy. But let them down gently and quickly — again, a lot of their self-esteem and work is bundled up into the idea — and it will take a major hit. Unported License. But you just can’t do it NOW.

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Praising Customers for Ethical Purchases Can Backfire

Harvard Business Review

But it is also assumed that exposure to such messages would help make consumers more aware of certain social/environmental issues and therefore promote subsequent altruistic behaviors and choices. Or is it possible they could do the opposite, and actually advance self-interested actions on the part of consumers?

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Urban Meyer, Ohio State Football, and How Leaders Ignore Unethical Behavior

Harvard Business Review

The school summarized its decision in a revealing 23-page investigation report , which serves as a useful case study for the way organizations, leaders, and individuals fall victim to moral biases — rationalizations for behaving unethically usually due to one’s self-interest. Over time, this can license unethical conduct.

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What Being an "Authentic Leader" Really Means

Harvard Business Review

In both ways, then, "authenticity" is as much a practical virtue as an ethical one. Isn't being your true self a license to say whatever you think and vent whatever you feel at a particular moment?" "Isn't being your true self a license to say whatever you think and vent whatever you feel at a particular moment?"