In my last post I wrote about the importance of knowing when to break the rules and the leadership it takes to help others do so. Today, I want to focus on how our actions (or inaction) can lead others to behave inappropriately. Without knowing or intending to, our actions may lead people astray. Our behaviors may give people the impression that the rules do not apply to them. Our actions may even make them believe that they have our tacit approval to break rules or even break laws. Our failure to react to one misdeed may give them the impression that we will ignore others. As leaders, we must recognize that our behaviors and choices send messages for others to interpret, and if we are not careful, they may lead to disaster or tragedy.