ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at a few examples of senior leaders who acted immorally, unethically, or perhaps illegally; ending their respective leadership careers. It explores some of the decisions that set these once respected leaders on a path to an early departure and discusses how administrators might avoid similar circumstances. Every year, notable leaders in almost all industry sectors make mistakes that mark the end of their tenure in that leadership role. Graham Spanier was one of the most highly regarded educational leaders in the United States who ended his career as a convicted criminal, primarily because of his unwillingness to do the right thing. He wrongly chose to use his power to make decisions he believed would protect the university and his legacy as president over the safety and subsequent abuse of children visiting the campus. Power is not limited to the central administration or senior leadership and neither is poor decision-making.
