In IT procurement and vendor management, the stakes are high and the temptations are real. Behind boardroom doors and contract negotiations, subtle offers can quickly turn into blatant attempts to buy influence—cash under the table, luxury trips, premium gadgets, "exclusive" dinners, even favors no professional should accept.
I've been in these situations more times than I can count. And every time, I've made the same choice: walk away with my integrity intact. In a world where some see ethics as optional, my moral compass isn't just a guide—it's my anchor.
Why Integrity Isn't Optional in IT Leadership
IT leaders influence vendor selection, budget allocation, and multi-million-dollar contracts. That makes us both powerful and vulnerable to manipulation. For me, saying "no" to unethical offers isn't just about obeying the rules—it's about who I am as a leader.
- Trust Is Everything – My leadership is built on trust. The moment I accept a bribe or favor, I lose credibility with my team, my peers, and my organization.
- Short-Term Temptations, Long-Term Damage – A "free" weekend getaway can cost you your career, your reputation, and your ability to lead.
- Leading by Example – If I cross the line, I give tacit permission for others to do the same. I won't plant that seed.
How Vendors Try to Cross the Line—and How to Stop Them
Over the years, I've seen every trick in the book:
- Cash Disguised as "Consulting Fees" – My policy: reject it outright. Repeat offenders? Blacklisted.
- Lavish Gifts and Perks – I have a clear threshold: token-value items only, like a branded pen or notebook. Anything else is returned or declined.
- Crossing Personal Boundaries – When vendors make inappropriate offers or suggestions, I end the meeting immediately and file a report. No second chances.
The key? Draw your line early, make it visible, and never step over it.
The True Cost of Compromise
Some justify unethical choices as "just part of doing business." The reality is far harsher:
- You Lose Your Good Name – Reputations take years to build and seconds to destroy.
- You Risk Legal Trouble – Accepting bribes can lead to investigations, lawsuits, and even jail time.
- Your Organization Suffers – Vendors who win through corruption rarely deliver quality. In the end, the business—and its people—pay the price.
A Real Experience: Choosing Integrity Over Profit
Several years ago, I managed the structured cabling project for a thousand-node office—one of the largest and most scrutinized jobs of my career. During the vendor selection process, a few bidders pulled me aside and brazenly proposed giving me a 30% cut of the contract if I made sure the deal went their way. The numbers were staggering, and the temptation was real.
But that's exactly where true leadership is tested. I didn't hesitate. I immediately eliminated those vendors from consideration. Instead, I awarded the project to the most credible contractor I knew—someone whose work was consistently reliable, but perhaps not the flashiest. He happened to be a Christian, and from everything I've observed, he valued his reputation as much as I value mine. I knew he wouldn't cut corners or risk his name for a quick win. The project ran smoothly, transparently, and every stakeholder knew the process was above reproach.
That experience reinforced my belief: character counts, even if it means choosing the "boring" option over the flashy one. And when you choose integrity, you never regret it.
My Personal Code for Staying Incorruptible
Here are the principles I follow without exception:
- Document Every Decision – Transparency eliminates doubt.
- Zero Tolerance for Bribery – One attempt, and the vendor is out. No exceptions.
- Regular Self-Audits – I ask myself: Would I make this decision if it were published on the front page of a newspaper? If the answer is no, I don't make it.
Final Word
In tech, where speed and profit often dominate conversations, ethics can feel like an afterthought. But integrity isn't just "nice to have"—it's the backbone of credible leadership.
To the vendors who believe influence can be bought: save your money.
To fellow IT leaders who face these pressures: stand your ground.
A contract lasts a few years. A reputation lasts a lifetime.