I just finished reading a thought-provoking article on Bobby Knight entitled Knight’s Sins will Overshadow his Wins. I have followed Knights’ career since I was an undergraduate at IU – many years ago. Like so many others, I have been astonished by his unparalleled successes, many of which have been undermined by his poor conduct.

Since I am a psychologist, a veteran management consultant and executive coach, I can’t help but think of the people I have seen in the business world who seem to be walking a Bobby Knight path. I have been amazed and saddened by otherwise brilliant executives who destroy their legacies by abusing power or engaging in abominable behavior due to a lack of self-control or just because they can! These people are the antithesis of true leaders.

On the other hand, I have had the privilege of witnessing exemplary leadership in the corporate world. I have observed executives and middle managers that spur their employees to uncommon performance. These true leaders have integrity that they demonstrate through their behaviors every day. They are strong and clear in communicating their expectations. They hold themselves accountable not only for results but also for the means by which they achieve them. They are not afraid to deliver the hard messages but do so with compassion. They support their employees yet expect them to be responsible for results. They celebrate successes and work tirelessly to overcome obstacles. They take failures in stride and learn from their mistakes. They inspire their teams to loyalty, engagement and performance.

Ian O’Connor stated in his article, "For all his assaults on common decency, Bob Knight inflicted the most pain on his own legacy. That is the ultimate irony framing the career of a man who is just one victory away from becoming the winningest coach in college basketball history."

Are there lessons to be learned from Bobby Knight?  I think so. Corporate leaders influence the legacies that they leave by making conscious choices concerning their behavior every day.