It's Always the Cover Up!

What a week it's been. Every day since Black Friday we have woken up with news of alleged "transgressions" by Tiger Woods. It all began with the accident in the wee hours of the morning. Improbably, Tiger was saved by his wife Elin who "courageously" used a golf club (apparently one was handy) to break the glass in the back of the SUV Tiger was driving when he hit as many immovable objects as possible in his neighborhood. Elin then dragged him out of the car and waited for the paramedics to arrive. I suppose that when you break the glass in the back of a vehicle, it unlocks all the doors so the person "trapped" can get out. Kids, don't try this at home!

It appears the reality is that Tiger had some "transgressions" which he is deeply sorry for and has publicly apologized to his family on his website. In the meantime, we are led to believe he and Elin are re-negotiating their pre-nuptial agreement in an attempt to "save the marriage" so Elin will stay at least two more years. Does this mean she'll be a free agent in 2012?

Let's look at the facts. Tiger Woods wrecked his car at 2:30 in the morning after Thanksgiving. Does anything positive happen when people are out at 2:30? What happened after that appears to be an attempted cover up by the Woods family and advisers to create positive spin and save Tiger's image. Unfortunately, there are folks out there who kept some voice mails that seem to indicate some "transgressions" have taken place.

All this is none of our business. Unfortunately, Tiger and his team have made it our business. They have tried to cover up what really happen. It's the cover up that we can't stand. Athletes, politicians, stars, business tycoons and regular folks have trouble coming clean. Wouldn't Richard Nixon have been better off by explaining that his overzealous re-election team crossed the line and they have been fired?

In business, many feel that others can't handle the truth (see Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men"). Instead, we lie, understate, and cover up. Most of us can overcome a mistake or lapse in judgement. None of us can survive a cover up gone wrong. Eventually, the truth survives.

As leaders, we need to create and foster an atmosphere that promotes responsibility and the room for people to make mistakes. If the organization can create that accountability where the person admits a mistake, explains how it will be corrected, and is allowed to move on with their plan-then the organization will thrive. Are you aiding and abetting a cover up or promoting an atmosphere of trust, challenge and openness? Create Tiger's, not Cheetah's!