You've Got to Be Kidding!: How to Keep Your Job Without Losing Your Integrity

Myth 4: “I’m the Only One Who Sees What’s Going On, and I’m the Only One Who Cares”

Reality: This is doubtful. It may seem that way at times because we’re often all wrapped up in our own world. But the reality is that we’re never alone. You may have some silent observers at the moment, but people do notice and care. They are often simply waiting for someone else to be first, to be a leader.

Wanda Simeona, former executive assistant to Arizona State Treasurer David Petersen, provides an inspiring role model. Petersen was the target of an investigation for allegedly improperly pocketing speaking fees, billing the state for personal travel expenses, hiring political allies, and improperly using state computers. His troubles came to light only after Simeona quit and made numerous allegations against him in a blistering four-page resignation letter. Once she stepped forward, Petersen’s chief of staff and chief deputy provided information and documents to investigators. So do the right thing; you never know who is ready to follow you.