While it may seem obvious, this incident was a powerful reminder that ethics are embedded in every aspect of our work, especially in HR. Ethics lays the foundation for how organizations and employees should act, helping us determine the balance between responsibility and humanity.

There was much online discourse about Sudeikis’s behavior in this situation. Was it ethical for him to prioritize a personal interest over a professional commitment? The answer may be more apparent in this case, but it prompts us to think about the daily ethical dilemmas HR professionals face.

How should you navigate situations where personal and professional responsibilities clash?

Having a well-defined ethical framework can help make these decisions easier, and there are resources to help you develop this for your organization.

Lesson 2: Accountability is key.

This situation also highlights the importance of accountability. When people in your organization lack accountability, it creates a culture of distrust.

Jason Sudeikis did not issue an apology to those who attended the conference hoping to see him. This lack of acknowledgment has contributed significantly to the upset and left a bad taste for many who were fans of his.

Although apologizing can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, taking responsibility for mistakes has a positive impact. People may not remember if you messed up, but how you handled it will stick with them. Leading by example and reminding employees that there is power in accountability can help build trust and integrity in an organization.

To read more about creating a culture of accountability, click here.

Lesson 3: Be resourceful.

Despite Sudekis dropping out, SHRM quickly issued a response and found another keynote speaker, Al Roker, to step in, showing how important it is to be resourceful.

Even when you think you have everything together, it’s crucial to have processes in place that can catch mistakes before they happen or have a plan for when things go awry. Having a solid backup plan that your team is trained on and prepared for can help mitigate any negative impact.

Beyond having a backup plan, dedicated channels for effective communication are necessary to prevent issues from escalating. Clear, timely, and transparent communication from SHRM helped to manage expectations and reduce uncertainty in this situation.

Lesson 5: Be careful what you post on social media!

This may be the most crucial takeaway. Social media was how SHRM attendees caught Sudeikis at the basketball game during his scheduled time.

It’s a good reminder that posting about your personal life can have professional repercussions or at least lead to awkward conversations if your boss sees you at the beach when you say you have an emergency.

With the rise of remote work, maintaining a boundary between work and social media is increasingly important. Clear expectations for social media and work location should be defined during onboarding to avoid confusion. Additionally, creating guidelines for addressing inappropriate social media posts are essential.