Fifty-one years ago, President Gerald Ford made one of the most momentous decisions in the history of the American Presidency. When he chose to pardon former President Richard Nixon for his involvement in the Watergate scandal, Ford chose to lead with accountability, regardless of what it meant for his presidency or legacy.  

Watergate was one of the darkest periods of American political history. So much so that the term “-gate” has become the moniker ascribed to any political scandal of the past 50 years. In September 1974, just a month after Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace over the Watergate scandal, President Gerald Ford shocked the nation by granting him a “full, free, and absolute pardon.” It was one of the most controversial decisions in U.S. history, and it likely cost Ford the presidency two years later. But beyond its political ramifications, Ford’s decision carries a timeless leadership lesson: True accountability comes with a price — and great leaders must be willing to pay it.

For corporate executives navigating crises, Ford’s accountability provides powerful lessons about balancing justice, trust, and long-term organizational health.

1. Accountability means making hard choices.

When Ford assumed the presidency following Nixon’s resignation, America was adrift. Watergate had eroded public trust, the economy was falling apart, and the nation’s faith in its institutions was at an all-time low. Ford only had two options: 

• Prosecute Nixon and risk years of prolonged legal battles, deepening the country’s wounds.
• Pardon Nixon and move forward, knowing many would see it as letting him “off the hook.”

When Ford chose to pardon Nixon, his action demonstrated that he believed that the nation’s healing outweighed the political cost to him and his party. He accepted the accountability of the office he held and of the decisions that office required of him – even if his choice meant that Nixon would avoid being held to account for his actions.

Lesson for leaders: When crisis hits, the choice is rarely cut and dried.  We must often choose among bad options. We can be tempted to try to avoid these tough decisions, but ultimately, we must take ownership.  Great leaders understand that either they can lead with accountability now and accept the consequences or their delay will allow a problem to fester and erode trust. 

2. Clarity builds trust. 

Ford knew that pardoning Nixon would look like a backroom deal unless he was clear about the reasoning behind his decision. In a televised address, he laid out his reasoning and motivations. He explained to the American people that he believed a prolonged legal battle would paralyze the nation, deepening the malaise that Watergate had created.  He expressed his belief that his pardon would give the country the closure it needed to move forward. While many still disagreed, his willingness to communicate openly and accountably eventually vindicated his decision.

Lesson for leaders: Clarity and openness won’t guarantee approval, but they protect credibility.

Leaders who hide behind spin lose trust. Those who explain their reasoning — even when unpopular — strengthen organizational integrity.

3. Personal cost vs. organizational good

Ford’s approval ratings plummeted after the pardon. In 1976, he lost reelection to Jimmy Carter. By any political and personal measures, the decision was a costly mistake. But in hindsight, many historians credit him with helping the nation heal faster and preserving the dignity and integrity of the presidency.

Lesson for leaders: This dynamic mirrors an important aspect of corporate leadership: Sometimes doing the right thing means sacrificing short-term results for long-term organizational health. Accountability isn’t free. Making tough calls often comes at the expense of your reputation, relationships, or role — but avoiding them usually costs more in the long run.

4. Culture starts at the top.

Watergate wasn’t just about Nixon; it was about the political environment that enabled him. By pardoning Nixon but publicly denouncing his actions, Ford sent two complementary messages:

• The behaviors and actions of Nixon, his administration, and the political establishment were unacceptable.
• The organization — in this case, the nation — needed to change and move forward rather than remain mired in blame. 

Lesson for leaders: When executives fail, how they handle accountability sets the tone for the entire organization. Protecting individuals over principles signals that rules are negotiable. When we prioritize the mission, the organization, and the people above any individual (or group), we embrace and support a culture of integrity.

5. True leadership requires courage. 

Years after he left office, Ford said, “I knew exactly what I was doing. I was prepared to take any criticism, no matter how bad it was.”That resolve is the essence of courageous leadership: making decisions based on principle, not popularity.

Lesson for leaders: In today’s corporate landscape — where short-term results, quarterly earnings, social media outrage, and internal politics collide — courage is rare but invaluable. Teams follow leaders whose values are clear, unambiguous, and reflected in their words and deeds. Great leaders understand that accountability is the ultimate expression of one’s character.  They do the right thing even when it costs them personally.

Key Takeaways for Today’s Leaders

• Accountability means making hard choices — Choose to act.
• Clarity builds trust — Explain the “why” behind hard decisions.
• Personal cost vs. organizational good – Put the organization first.
• Promote cultural integrity – Live your values and those of the organization you lead.
• Lead with courage, not convenience – Ensure that your actions reflect your values.

President Ford’s pardon of Nixon is a reminder that leadership is rarely about avoiding storms — it’s about standing in them with integrity. When we face ethical crises, data breaches, executive misconduct, or strategic failures, the lesson endures: Healing requires hard decisions, and hard decisions come with a price.