The Power of the Other: The startling effect other people have on you, from the boardroom to the bedroom and beyond-and what to do about it

by Henry Cloud

He had received every accolade from the medical world as a leading innovator and from the business community for his ability to make health care systems profitable. He called me at the literal height of his career. “I need to talk to you,” he said. “I have a problem.” We blocked out a day for him to fly to Los Angeles, and he told me a painful story. “What brings you here?” I asked. “I have made some big mistakes,” he said. “Mistakes that can ruin everything, and I need to fix it.” He went on to tell me a story of Corner Three behavior involving several extramarital affairs over a number of years—with nurses, hospital staff, and others. His wife had recently found out, as well as the board of two of the medical systems that he was leading. Needless to say, there were serious ripple effects—more like a tsunami, actually. His wife moved out. His hospital ties and investors were threatened. His partners found themselves having to address very difficult HR issues, to say the least. His four children were hurt and disillusioned. On and on the