EQ Moment #6:
HP CEO Loses Job Over Secret Relationship

When actress Jodie Fisher—who worked as a hostess at high-profile HP events—filed a sexual harassment claim against CEO Mark Hurd, the ensuing investigation uncovered a host of inaccurate expense reports filed by Hurd that hid, among other things, $20,000 lobster dinners with Fisher. Hurd, who was married, and Fisher insisted that nothing inappropriate had taken place between them—beyond the bogus expense records.

Hurd was forced to resign as CEO and admitted, “there were instances in which I did not live up to the standards and principles of trust, respect, and integrity that I have espoused at HP.” Considered one of the “TopGun CEOs” by Brendan Wood International, Hurd won acclaim for turning Hewlett-Packard into one of the world’s most successful technology companies by implementing major cost-cutting initiatives.

One look at Fisher makes it difficult to believe in the purity of Hurd’s motives. Whether you call it love, infatuation, or just over-the-top kindness, it was wrong. Hurd’s actions displayed a profound lack of judgment and self-management. A CEO known for cutting costs undoubtedly set a poor example by lavishly spending corporate funds for his personal entertainment. Hurd was likely hijacked by his emotions in a situation where strong feelings—desire in this case—drowned out reason. He probably could have avoided losing his job had he paused to reflect on the intensity and nature of his desire before taking action.