But the spectacle does raise the question: What is the impact on a leader and his or her leadership when he or she is involved in an affair? I have been disgusted as I heard different pundits attempt to answer this question.

It's not a private matter

The typical perspective regurgitated about the Petraeus and Broadwell affair is that, outside of the security concerns, it's really no big deal. After all, it is argued, this relationship is a private matter between two consenting adults.

That's garbage.

It is not a private matter. Their two spouses are undoubtedly wounded and humiliated. Children are innocent victims who try to grasp with the strains and perhaps destruction of the secure world they knew when all was well with their parents. Other family and friends are hurt as well.

One television commentator this week cheered the actions of adulterous men, celebrating their testosterone levels and "manhood." One is left to wonder if he would cheer similar actions of his own wife, and celebrate her own hormonal drives and "femininity" with other men.

It's not endemic to all great leaders

I have heard more than one pundit opine that uncontrolled sex drives are just part of the nature of great leaders. They have such a great drive, we are told, that it is only natural that such drives include unfettered desires for sexual conquests. I even heard a commentator cite adultery as a common characteristic of our great American presidents. The more anemic presidents tended to be those who were faithful to their wives.

Adultery is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of weakness. Adultery is not an indicator of healthy adulthood. It's an indicator of juvenile behavior. Adultery is not a sign of self-controlled leaders. It's a sign of out-of-control leaders. Adultery is not the badge of great leadership. It's the badge of failed leadership. Continued...