Ethical failures rarely start with a dramatic moment. More often, they begin with small compromises made under pressure, when convenience starts to outweigh conviction. In this thoughtful piece, Carson Horn, APR, explores how leaders can recognize ethical drift, resist shortcuts and stay grounded in principle when the right decision is the inconvenient one.

The Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced the recipients of the 2026 Diamond and Crystal Awards. The recipients are: Crystal Award: Heather Haywood, APR, former director of marketing and public relations at Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.; Diamond Award: Roby Brock, CEO of Natural State Media; and Christina Littlejohn, CEO of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Ethical failures rarely start with a dramatic moment. More often, they begin with small compromises made under pressure, when convenience starts to outweigh conviction. In this thoughtful piece, Carson Horn, APR, explores how leaders can recognize ethical drift, resist shortcuts and stay grounded in principle when the right decision is the inconvenient one.

Every year, we set goals and refine strategies, but we rarely recalibrate the ethical compass guiding our decisions. Ethical clarity builds trust, strengthens leadership, and helps organizations move decisively when the stakes are high.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.