In dealing with misconduct, take responsibility and clearly outline next steps. The CAP crisis response framework is useful. Express Concern, take Action, offer Perspective. In offering perspective, you must exhibit the ability to consider another person's or group's point of view. Describe to key stakeholders the process for dealing with the misconduct and clearly outline what will happen next.
When you only have a partial understanding of the situation, don’t rush to take permanent action such as firing someone. Take temporary actions (e.g., putting someone on paid leave) that give you time to gather the facts while protecting potentially vulnerable people. But be careful about rushing...
Leaders' instinctive response to whistleblowers can be defensive. Yet it's important for leaders to protect members of the organization who reveal misconduct.
