After months of controversy and scrutiny, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales tendered his resignation today – affective September 17. According to news reports, Gonzales said he had lived the American Dream, made references to his families difficult past, and thanked President Bush for his friendship.

One thing that stands out to me regarding this situation is that this is not the first time one of Bush’s appointees resigned amid strong criticism. At least two others had resigned previously – both amid scandal. Gonzales’ tenure was plagued by scandal; the most recent and ongoing was connected to the firing of 8 US Attorneys. 

What could possibly happen to make in necessary to fire 8 US attorneys; 7 in one day? According to excerpts from written employee reviews, most of these attorneys were well respected, highly regarded, and distinguished. These are not words that describe employees that need to be relieved of their duties. Without getting into the politics of the situation, let’s just say something does not add up. Apparently others thought so too because there was an investigation regarding how it was handled with Gonzales in the middle of it.

President Bush should definitely be concerned about the pattern this will create in the mind of the citizenry regarding the legacy of leadership he put in place during his administration. At least three Bush appointees have resigned from their posts: George C. Deutch, former FEMA director Michael Brown and now Alberto Gonzales. This definitely begs the question where they the right people for the jobs in the first place? How can we apply this as a business lesson?

I’m not saying that all of the people Bush appointed to office were his friends, that they were incompetent and took advantage of their personal presidential relationship. It did seem that Bush was carefully placing people into position that agreed with his politics.

I think my mentor had the right idea though. Business is business and friendship is friendship, the two do not often mix well. We all want to help our friends when we are in a position to do so, but there are times when that help is not deserved or is simply not well timed. People should be hired based on skill and fit for the work environment not because they are your friend or you think they will agree with you. 

While it is always great to have people who agree with you working with you, however this is not always a good idea when it comes to business. It is important to have varying opinions and ideas as well as like-minded people working with and for you. Business leaders should always be looking for someone to play devils advocate or be the realist – not necessarily the pessimist. These differences of opinion make for healthy decisions which are even more carefully weighed out in the end.

Personally, I would not trust someone who agrees with everything I had to say or every crazy idea I through out. Sometimes we need others to keep us grounded when we get high minded or extreme with our ideas. When it’s all said and done, the boss still calls the shots but it’s always good to consider all the angles. Having the right people on your staff can help you do just that.