It has been a minute since I posted The Playbook Commentary. I don't know if it's because the PR biz has had me busy, as much as it seems like the state of pro athletes and sports in general has been non-stop crazy....too much to talk about.
But, with the recent incident with Gilbert Arenas, I HAD to come back on the scene and say something.
I read somewhere the comment that Arenas has "shot himself in the foot". And, I have to agree. It is amazing that after being in the NBA for as long as he has now, Arenas has not heeded the warnings offered up by the unfortunate incidents experienced and lessons learned from his fellow colleagues in the NBA and professional sports all together.
Come on man, guns in the locker room? Yes, you are a target, so to speak. And, I can understand you feeling like you have to protect yourself from the crazies out there who will try you. But, that's why you pay the big bucks to get personal bodyguards and should depend on the NBA team security to watch your back. However, IF you still believe you need to protect yourself....you DON'T pull the weapon out on a fellow colleague in the locker room. Come on.
As my pastor in Baltimore has said over the years, "Commonsense is not common to everyone." CLEARLY!
Although, I place some ownership of blame on Arenas and other players for the actions they take, I really place blame on the organizations they represent. If they would take their attention off of milking these players for the immediate monetary gain, they would be able to see that a serious issue exists that needs to be addressed now, before this small hole becomes a bottomless pit. Think strategically. Think proactively. Think productively....today. And, tomorrow will take care of itself.
We continue to live in a reactionary state. No one plans for tomorrow, they just allow tomorrow to control their next move.....not good. As owner of a PR firm that specializes in crisis/reputation management, I have been very busy as of late. Not a good thing for the clients, but I can't complain as the recipient. The first thing I have shared with each client and in each situation is its time out for reactionary living and time for proactive living.
What are your long-term goals? How do you plan on achieving them? What will you do today to start? If you are focused on your long-term goals, you will find it hard to get into short-term trouble. I say that because you will take a second pause before you make a move that is more reactionary in nature than proactive and productive.
But, because life does happen and we are all human, when or if you should ever find yourself in a "crisis" two things can save you. First, your previous proactive actions will serve as your brand foundation; it will cushion the negative blow. Let me give you an example. I use to work for an international PR firm as AGS on the world's most recognized consumer brand. This brand was big on "giving back". They were in the communities in which they did business. And, because of the sincere relationships established, they built brand loyalty. So, if and when, because life does happen, a bad thing would occur, it never turned into a major blow for them. The community never turned their back on them. Why? Because the foundation had been formed.
That is being PROactive in a reactionary world. They have always focused on their long-term goals, "giving back"; making a positive impact; affording opportunities; building their business; generating revenue; etc. So, even when short-term trouble comes up, it doesn't break their brand...just slightly and temporarily tarnishes it.
Can we say the same for folks like Arenas, Tiger and others? First, their brand foundation is not solid. Then on top of it, their arrogance, ignorance and poor advisory causes their reaction to be inadequate, ineffective and even damaging.
I am all about "doing you". It is your life, lead it the way you so choose. However, to be clear, when you are a professional athlete, your five senses, discerning spirit, inner circle and bottomline COMMON sense all need to be sharper than the regular person.
It's time to teach the next generation of "aspiring" professional athletes that you cannot have it both ways....have all the glory, attention and fame of a celebrity but, still believ you can and should be able to act like Joe Blow common man whose business will be less likely to make the morning news. That is not reality.
There is a responsibility that comes with your opportunity.
The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative continues to bring productive, positive, purpose-driven, proactive solutions to the real-life needs that occur in the natural life-cycle of an athlete..."a positive personal life = professional success".
We officially introduced it in 2009 at retired NFL Player Keion Carpenter and Pro Bowler Antonio Freeman's C4C Football Camp in Maryland. 2010 we are taking it to the next level....it is time.
Stay tuned for The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative Blog, Curriculum and Schedule.
It's time for PROactive living in 2010!
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