What can be learned?
Beware the arrogant mindset. A leader's attitude that he or she is superior to subordinates and even to concerned outsiders is a formula for disaster, both for an organization and even for a society. Such an attitude promotes dictatorship, intolerance of contrary opinions, and an attitude that “we need answer to no one.” We have seen the consequences with William Aramony: moving over the edge of what is deemed by most as acceptable and ethical conduct, assuming the role of the final authority who brooks no questions or criticisms. The absence of real or imagined controls or reviews seems to bring out the worst in people. We seem to need periodic scrutiny to avoid falling into the trap of arrogant decision making devoid of responsiveness to other concerns. The Girl Scout bureaucracy's dealings with its volunteers suggest the inclination toward arrogance and dictatorship in the absence of sufficient real controls.