Why 'Do the Right Thing' Is the Worst Advice for Your Company

It sounds noble: 'Just do the right thing.' But as Ben Horowitz reveals in 'What You Do Is Who You Are,' this is the most dangerous advice you can give your team. Why? Because everyone’s idea of 'right' is different. Without clear standards, you’re inviting confusion, inconsistency, and even disaster.

Companies that rely on vague values end up in trouble. When a crisis hits, people fall back on their own instincts—which may not align with your organization’s needs or reputation. The solution is to make your ethics explicit. Spell out the boundaries. Use real stories to show what’s acceptable (and what’s not). And most importantly, enforce the rules—because every exception erodes your culture a little more.

Horowitz’s advice: Don’t just hope your people will do the right thing. Teach them what it means, show them why it matters, and reward those who live up to your standards. The result? A culture that’s resilient, trustworthy, and ready for anything.