What Business Can Learn From Tiger

By Chelsea Junget

tiger woods What Business Can Learn From Tiger The Tiger Woods brouhaha developed further today when after over two and half months of silence, Woods held a press conference to address the events that unfolded after his late November car crash. Although Tiger’s mistakes were personal in nature, his approach to making amends reflects key elements of business crisis communications.

Take responsibility

Rather than blaming the media, his family, wife or the women with whom he carried on the affairs, Tiger accepted full responsibility. Don’t finger point or shift blame when a customer or client finds an error in your work. When you’ve screwed up, own up.

Show the steps you are taking to make it right

Tiger briefly mentioned his 45-day stay in an inpatient rehab center and the long road he faced to earn back the trust of his family, friends and sponsors. When a problem arises with your product, service or communication chain, help your customer understand what you are doing to correct that error. Actions, not words, help earn back customer trust.

Remember where you came from

Calling upon his childhood faith, Tiger mentioned the teachings of Buddhism that will help him move forward. In business, remember the first few clients you served and how their business helped you land where you are now. Reflect on your core values when addressing a crisis.

What did you think of Tiger’s comments? Are they enough to salvage his brand? Will his sponsors come back?

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