We all make mistakes. Some of them are relatively minor and are great learning experiences. Others are heinous and offensive and reflect bad judgement as well as bad character. No, I’m not writing with a guilty conscience this morning. I am writing, however, after having seen a couple of announcements in the last few days which got me thinking about forgiveness.
“Forgive and forget” is a grand idea. Every major religion talks to the topic and giving forgiveness is, in fact, mandatory in Judaism once someone apologizes and makes amends. I expect it’s thought of in a similar manner in other faiths. And while “forgiveness” is an admirable quality, I’m not sure “forgetting” is in that context. But let’s see what you think.
What’s prompting this today is the announcements of sponsorship deals for Mike Vick (with Nike) and Tiger Woods (with Kowa, a Japanese heat rub like Bengay). Obviously these guys are only a few of the more prominent folks who’ve behaved badly (understatement intentional) the last couple of years. Sponsor deals were probably the least of what their behavior cost them, along with wives, cash, freedom and reputation.
So the question is this: at what point are they forgiven? Both have apologized publicly for their stupidity and Mike Vick has been a model citizen since his release from jail (Tiger’s on-course behavior – spitting, cursing, general surliness, etc. – hasn’t changed – who knows about off-course). When an athlete signs up with a sponsor, there is shared brand equity there, and while the general football public may be OK with Vick, I’m not so sure that the subset of dog owners are quite as ready to forgive and forget. In Tiger’s case, the “forget” part seems to be happening on its own since Tiger hasn’t been seen playing golf much of late and other stars are emerging in his absence. What do these signings say, if anything, about the brands?
From a business perspective, I try to live with the “forgive” part but substitute “remember” for the latter. Recalling past mistakes without anger is important in my mind so we don’t commit them again. It recognizes past failures as learning experiences (sometimes more for us than for the miscreant!) but helps keep us on alert. That’s true for subordinates, customers, partners, and bosses.
We’ll end today with some words from Don Henley. I think he sums it up nicely in The Heart Of The Matter. Forgiveness is sometime we might all need at some point so it’s best to give it as we can. But it doesn’t hurt to remember as well. Right?
There are people in your life who’ve come and gone.
They let you down you know they hurt your pride.
You better put it all behind you baby; cause life goes on.
You keep carryin’ that anger; it’ll eat you up inside, baby !
I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter.
But my will gets weak and my thoughts seem to scatter.
But I think it’s about forgiveness, forgiveness.
Consult Keith 