Love or hate 'reality-TV' shows such as Survivor, they can often provide an opportunity to learn from the behavior of others. Combat Missions, Mark Burnett's latest creation for USA Network is no exception - and a recent episode provided a reminder of how important it is to know what your values are when life puts you in an 'ethically challenging' situation.

The show brings together military and law enforcement personnel into four teams to compete in mock missions based on real life combat situations. Winners keep their teams intact, the losers are forced to discharge a team member and pick someone new. In this particular episode the mission laid before two of the teams was to rescue a TV anchorwoman being held hostage inside a low-rise apartment building by a group of armed gang members.

Everyone involved with the competition wears special equipment, known as MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) gear, to make the missions something like a game of laser tag. If a team member, bad guy, hostage or bystander is hit, a tone sounds and that person is considered dead insofar as the game is concerned. Of course, a critical element to the mission at hand was to protect the hostage and avoid harming any bystanders.

While both teams laid out a similar strategy to accomplish their mission, Alpha team, considered the underdog to undefeated Bravo team, became preoccupied with keeping the hostage alive. So much so, that when their team leader suggested they cover up the MILES gear to keep a "hit" from registering, only one team member objected. Quickly, it was decided that they would use a poncho to protect the victim from 'shock.' Although they knew they were breaking the rules, the fact that the suggestion came from their team leader seemed to make it a legitimate strategy, rather than an attempt to cheat.

The opposing team, Bravo, completed their mission with 925 points out of a possible 1000 - an excellent score. Thanks to excellent teamwork and preparation, Alpha Team finished with 955 points, and clearly had the unexpected win. Unfortunately for them, their deception did not go unnoticed. In clear violation of the rules, they were docked 250 points - the same penalty they would have received if they had failed to protect the hostage. Alpha Team not only lost the competition, they also lost the respect of the other teams, the referees and the audience.

How would having well-defined values, like those at BCNEPA, and living by them have allowed Alpha Team to avoid this lose, lose situation? Clearly, if they had brought Integrity to the planning process, the idea of covering up the detection equipment would have been quickly discarded. The team member who did object might have received more attention, and might have spoken up more forcefully, had there been Respect for differing opinions. Team members also needed to Trust that their Team Leader would not set out a strategy that was unethical. Finally, having a Commitment to the spirit of the competition, rather than a 'win at all costs' attitude would have created an environment in which a decision to cheat had no place.

When you're in a situation where cheating seems easy, stop for a moment and consider your values.