Doing the right thing Quote by Greg Smith
“Leadership used to be about ideas, setting an example and doing the right thing. Today, if you make enough money for the firm (and are not currently an ax murderer) you will be promoted into a position of influence.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Business Leadership Talk, 2019
Leadership has shifted from virtue and example to profit‑driven promotion, often ignoring ethics.
In simple terms: Leadership now rewards money over morals.
Key Takeaway
Beware profit‑first culture.
Themes
leadership
ethics
corporate culture
power dynamics
Mood
cynical
critical
reflective
Type
commentary
observational
When to use this quote
- board meetings
- promotion decisions
- corporate training
- shareholder meetings
Key Concepts
capitalism
moral hazard
incentive structures
Questions to Reflect On
- How does profit‑first affect employee morale?
- Can ethical leadership survive in such environments?
A Different Perspective
Profit focus can erode trust and long‑term sustainability.
![“[If] we can celebrate that in a way that celebrates our love for New England as well as our love for the Italian culture as well as the American culture, then we've done something that's really good and supporting these fishermen who are doing the right thing in sustainability . . . paying…” quote by Mario Batali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1ea/mario-batali-4002_american-culture_if-we-can-celebrate-that-in-a-way-that-c_45806.jpg)