(Image provided by Keith Allison via Wikipedia)
Tiger Woods’ recent fall from grace is a shame, not only for those directly involved, but for the entire sport of golf.
It also highlights a wide range of broader issues and questions relating to personal, professional and business ethics.
Amongst other things, these could include:
• How the private conduct of high profile professionals can affect their ‘brand value’ in terms of advertising and corporate sponsorship.
The understatement made by consulting firm Accenture upon termination of its sponsorship – about Woods being “no longer being the right representative,” - said it all.
So too does the more frank commentary (same article) of public relations consultant Ian Monk, about Woods being “… damaged goods with no commercial value to sponsors whatsover.”
• How the expectations placed upon role models in any profession extend beyond their professional lives.
Role models, it seems, are expected to demonstrate exemplary behavior in all aspects of their life – private or professional.
• The issue of media outlets paying for stories.
I don’t know whether or not Jaimee Grubs or any of the other women involved have indeed received any form of payment from media outlets for going public on this story. But I certainly hope they didn’t.
Woods’ transgressions are unacceptable, but so too are those of any of the women involved. Each of them appears to have been willing participants in their affair with the superstar - none deserve any financial reward for their behavior
Even the best are mortal
But there is one important lesson which should not be forgotten in any of this – the fallibility of even the most revered superstars.
Prior to the revelations, there were strong reasons for holding Woods in high regard, particularly given the way his work ethic, general demeanor and extensive involvement with charities and youth projects served to complement his talent and achievements. He was, it seemed, an ideal role model.
Nor was it in any way wrong to give him so much respect. Positive role models are needed in every profession, and those who achieve excellence whilst appearing to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner deserve our admiration.
But these sentiments must be tempered with two sobering realities:
• we don’t always know the whole story; and
• even the best role models are human.
The second point is especially pertinent. No matter how exemplary their behavior may be, all role models are human. None of them are infallible, nor should we expect them to be. Disappointment is inevitable if we forget this.
Respect for high achievers who display exemplary behavior is healthy, but idolization is not. No one should be put on a pedestal.
Great shame, important lesson
Tiger’s fall from grace was a great pity. I certainly hope that he is able to get his life back together and, if possible, salvage his marriage.
In the meantime, his story serves as an important reminder about the fallibility of even the most revered superstars.
Those who set positive examples deserve our full respect – but they should never become our idols.
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