Great CEOs, Stupid Men

Why is it that men who can pull off corporate miracles fail at something as simple as keeping their fly zipped? I, for one, can think of at least five reasons. So, Mike Hurd is the latest CEO to bow out ignominiously of a dream job. Let me assure you, he won’t be the last. There’s something about powerful, rich men that makes them trip up over something as commonplace as beautiful women. And that’s been happening from time immemorial. A man called Ravan lost his kingdom and life for messing with Ram’s wife; Paris (the Trojan prince) got it from the Greeks for abducting Helen; and in more recent history, Phaneesh Murthy and David Davidar paid the price for their extra-marital pursuits. The question, then, is, why do otherwise bright, successful and wealthy men end up trashing their careers over—well, there’s no delicate way to put this—sexy sirens? Since I am neither powerful nor wealthy, but a man just the same, it’s relatively easy for me to look at this issue rather dispassionately. And having tossed this issue in my mind for a while now, I have been able to pinpoint five reasons. Of course, there’s not a shred of scientific research backing any of these points. Let me walk you through them in reverse order of their importance:- Spoiled by Sycophants: When you are in a position of power, you automatically attract people whose primary job is to keep reminding you just how great you are. Even if they are capable people, their own insecurities are compounded by the fear that perhaps you expect them to shine a little less brightly than yourself. Now, imagine getting brainwashed like this every minute of the day; when no idea of yours is too absurd to be rejected, no joke too silly to evoke laughter, no credit too small to be laid at your feet. Is it any surprise then that CEOs actually think they are extraordinary people? No.- Availability: When you are powerful and rich, there will be those who are drawn to you because they see you as a means to riches and powers. And if you are ‘straight’, most likely the ones throwing themselves at you will be beautiful women. They’ll make you feel special and themselves, available. Now, you need to be either a saint or a man with no testosterone to ward off such advances. More often than not, CEOs capitulate.- Enough is never enough: The CEO is also a family man, right? He’s got a wife and kids, so why should he stray? That’s where the super-achiever in him comes in. Don’t forget that he didn’t get to the top job by accepting convention or saying enough is enough. Enough for him is never enough. That applies to his interest in women as well. He’s got to have more.- Arrogance: Let’s face it, men with self-doubts don’t make great leaders. Typically, the leader needs to make decisions with incomplete information and in times of uncertainty. Often, they are so cock-sure of themselves that they tend to get arrogant. Why else would HP’s Mike Hurd think he could fudge $20,000 in personal expenses and get away with it? Obviously, he thought, “Well, I am the CEO, who the hell is going to rat on me?” And he was right. If his marketing consultant pal Jodie Fisher hadn’t accused him of sexual harassment, his transgression would have never come to light. - It’s in the genes: This is not to justify irresponsible behaviour by men, but the fact remains nature never designed them for fidelity. Like other creatures, humans are meant to perpetuate their kind, and men, whose principal utility is that of an impregnator and not a carrier, are naturally driven to put sex over caution. And that doesn’t change just because you sit in a corner office or you wear an Armani suit