Are you a Tiger or a Cheetah?

The Tiger has his tale between his legs this week and his perfect reputation lies in limbo. What has taken years of hard work, tenacity, commitment and focus to achieve may not be enough to keep the world’s most loved golfer a true role model, as he is scrutinised and judged by millions of people who are now seemingly more interested in what he has done off the course than on it.


Now, sadly, the Tiger of golf may well be remembered as a Cheetah rather than a Tiger. The public will be his judge and jury and perhaps the sponsors too.

Leaders in business and organisations also work for many years to build their reputation and legacy for their people and organisations. However it is often what comes after they leave their great heights that is as important is what they do when they are present. We all know that our sphere of influence extends not only to those people near and close to us but includes those whose are affected and impacted on by our behaviours and actions.

In truth we are totally responsible for our reputations and for what we are known for - now and in the future. What people remember us for is testimony for the difference we make. If at the end of the day, we are remembered for the wrong things do we in fact, nullify the good we do. If we have choices of how we are to be remembered, then perhaps we can choose how we behave with greater care and respect not only for others, but for ourselves.

As we leave the current year behind and focus on what’s ahead, it may well be a great time to consider what our own personal and professional brand actually states about us and create our future reputation by our actions and behaviours of today. Interesting thought really, especially in light of the Copenhagen Summit where our future is once again in the hands of the those who are responsible for things to come.

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