In college, one of my professors gave us an interesting test to challenge our ethical standards. After the test, our professor shared a story that made us instantly understand our grades—and the lesson behind them. I’m going to share the story.
The Story
A successful CEO realized it was his time to retire and to pick a replacement. He took his time looking for candidates he felt were qualified to take his place.
After reviewing his options, he called the people he felt were best suited for the job into his office. He explained he was thinking of retiring and needed to pick someone as his successor. Then he gave each candidate a very special seed that he wanted them to plant, take care of, and to bring back in one year to see how the seed progressed. The next CEO would be chosen based on the condition of the plants they brought in.
The potential CEOs took their seeds home and took care of them. However, there was one man named John, who could not get his seed to grow, no matter what he did. The others said their plants were thriving. He’d look at their plants wondering why his wouldn’t grow. As each day passed, he felt more and more like a failure.
One year later, the CEO told the candidates to bring their plants into his office. John had been dreading this day for a whole year. He was the only one with an empty pot; everyone else had beautiful plants. His co-workers mocked him, while some felt sorry for him. The CEO noticed John’s empty pot and asked him what happened. Why didn’t his plant look like the others? John explained he tried everything but the seed wouldn’t grow.
The CEO said John would be his to be the next CEO. John couldn’t believe what he’d heard. The CEO explained that he gave everyone boiled seeds — it was impossible for those seeds to grow. John was the only one who was honest about the state of his plant. Telling the truth takes guts and integrity and because of those qualities, John was the next CEO.
The moral of the story: take care with what you plant now because it will determine what you reap later. This speaks to ethical decision-making — reminding us that honesty and integrity create the foundation for true success, even when the immediate outcome may seem uncertain or unrewarding.
What would you do if you were one of the potential CEOs? Be honest with yourself.
As for my test in school – I passed it, but I was shocked that most of the class didn’t.
A Lesson in Ethics and Competition
This story is a example of what it means to have strong ethics. John’s honesty, in the face of potential ridicule and failure, set him apart as a leader. The CEO’s test wasn’t just about growing a plant; it was about demonstrating integrity and the courage to uphold ethical principles even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
At the same time, this story highlights why competing with others can be a trap. The candidates that focused on having the “best” plant resorted to lying and deception in order to “win”. John wanted to win but wouldn’t resort to cheating. This is what it means to have strong ethical standards. The other candidates proved they could not be trusted.
Competition can lead people to measure their worth against others. This mindset can lead to toxic behavior or self-doubt. For example, people may exaggerate their achievements, falsify results, or undermine colleagues to appear more successful. These actions not only compromise integrity but also foster an unhealthy environment where genuine collaboration and personal growth are overshadowed by deceit and rivalry.
Instead, focus on personal growth and doing what is right. Some examples include: setting personal goals, practicing self-reflection, and seeking opportunities to learn and improve. Creating a solid foundation is important for lasting success and fulfillment. Your integrity will be remembered more than any outward success built on deceit or manipulative behaviors.
