A couple of years ago, I worked with a major health company on a project to interview candidates for positions within a sales force that would interact with highly trained specialists in promoting their product.
This company, ranked in the top 30 of the Fortune 500, assigned the task of hiring competent and educated individuals who were eager to compete.
Only those whose ethics would withstand the high level of competition and operate within the federal regulations of that particular industry were sought.
We crafted a series of interview questions and scenarios that revealed whether applicants would be willing to bend the rules, stretch the truth or work within the realm of research, facts and ethics.
Robin SmithMany sales applicants demonstrated, almost unknowingly, that their desire to win and achieve a certain result exceeded the necessary ethics required within this particular industry, where promotions are federally approved to prevent fabrication that could jeopardize health outcomes.
A couple of events last week reminded me of the difference between those who love to win and those who want to win at all costs.
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama delivered his seventh State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress to "update" the American people on the "state of our union."
After spending all but these next two years of his presidential tenure with either both chambers of Congress under control of the Democrats or the U.S. Senate led by a majority of Democrats, Obama almost mockingly called for bipartisanship and "working together" even as he repeatedly threatened the use of his veto on legislative efforts not of his liking from the newly elected GOP House and Senate.
November's election was a sound victory for Republicans, who flipped the majority in the Senate and extended the GOP margin in the House.
Even Obama declared in prepared remarks on Oct. 2, 2014, "I am not on the ballot this fall ... But make no mistake: These policies are on the ballot. Every single one of them."
Despite his policies being unquestionably rejected, Obama offered no olive branch or conciliation in his State of the Union speech -- only a clear determination to continue his soaring campaign rhetoric promising "free" stuff and a "fair-share" redistribution of wealth.
Winning or winning at all costs?
The second story of note featured deflated footballs used by the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.
In the rules set by the NFL, each team brings 12 of its own pigskins for game play. Eleven of the 12 Patriots' footballs were found to be below the approved pressure.
What's the big deal? Manipulating air pressure affects play.
By the way, Lane Kiffin and his USC Trojans were caught up in a similar incident in the USC-Oregon game back in 2012.
In the world of sports, this is called cheating.
Most people want to win, whether it's in the corporate office, the gridiron or an election.
But beware of those who want it so badly that they stretch, bend or even break the rules to achieve their victory in business, in sports and in politics.
Robin Smith, immediate past Tennessee Republican Party chairwoman, is owner of Rivers Edge Alliance.