Own Up To It
Oh Tiger, Tiger, Tiger. It’s amazing that someone who has done such an otherwise terrific job crafting and managing his brand has done such a poor one in the wake of this recent scandal.
With news now leaking out about another potential affair (and we all knew this was coming), it’s only a matter of time — perhaps hours — before Tiger has no choice but to come forward. But when he does so now, he will simply look the fool.
The natural tendency when one gets called out on something they did wrong is to deny, to run the other way. But it is exactly the opposite reaction that is required. Those that fess up and take ownership of their mistake can overcome the public scrutiny. Those that don’t will be dogged by it forever.
Recent examples of those that have done the right thing in the face of scandals include David Letterman as a celebrity and Mark Pincus as an entrepreneur.
There are countless examples on the other side — Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds are just two that come to mind in the sports world. But the list goes on…
When the going got tough, Tiger hid. By saying nothing, everyone already assumed he was guilty. And now he’s not just guilty, but he also wasn’t man enough to own up to it.
Thankfully he still has a wicked drive and a devastating short game. Because that’s all he’s got right now.
The lesson for all of us — in life, business, whatever — is when you make a mistake, own up to it. Else it will most likely own you.
