REACH Development Services: Resources: Articles

home > resources > articles > Sorry Tiger, “This is a private matter” Doesn’t Get It
4 Leadership Truths for Recovering from Reputation and Ethics Mishaps

Sorry Tiger, “This is a private matter” Doesn’t Get It
4 Leadership Truths for Recovering from Reputation and Ethics Mishaps

This is not a sports commentary – I don't follow sports. This is a personal and professional leadership commentary – I do follow and advise leaders.

Whether Tiger was or was not, is or is not guilty of something is beside the point… inquiring minds want to know everything about their American idols – of which Tiger Woods is certainly one.

The recent oops, who put that fire hydrant and tree there? incident was a public relations nightmare for Tiger, his family, friends, and fans over the weekend.

The silent treatment with police and hours of consultation with lawyers - resulting in a legally appropriate response - may have ruined Woods reputation, or at least created a significant bump in an otherwise enviable smooth path.

There are 4 Leadership Truths for Recovering from Reputation and Ethics Mishaps:

Engage lawyers for legal advice not PR or media advice.
There are consequences to every decision before, during, and afterwards.
An issue isn't over until the media and the public says, "It's over."

As an icon for the youth, blacks, spokespeople and merchants, sports fans in general and golfers in particular, no doubt Tiger will get a mulligan. The lesson here is unless you're an international, multi-millionaire celebrity, you probably won't get a do-over if you follow Woods' disastrous model.

Regardless of your position or title, if/when you do something unethical, illegal, or unpopular, be prepared to be open, honest, and accountable or the incident will live on far beyond your desire.

And IF you're wrong, take responsibility (and the punishment). Don't try to hide, deny, or deflect scrutiny. That's no way to be a winner.

_____________________________________________________________

© Copyright 2000-2008 Vince Crew/REACH Development Services. All rights reserved.
This article may be reprinted with expressed written consent from Vince Crew. Vince operates
REACH Development Services and is a conference speaker and adviser who works with business owners and executives on the critical issues of leading people and organizations.
Click here to contact Reach Development.