The Australian public is extremely tough on elite athletes. Call it the tall poppy syndrome, but we love to build someone up and then tear them down as soon as we see a chink in their armour.
Usually that ‘chink’ comes when an athlete misbehaves on or off the field.
How do you control public opinion? How do you minimise the damage to an athlete’s brand?
I’ve talked about crisis management before, but I want to emphasise one point. That is honesty and taking responsibility for your actions.
Forget the cover ups and forget trying to deflect the issue. I have a phrase I use “Put your hand up, admit you were wrong, and move on.”
Even if you have a good excuse, don’t use it. People hate excuses. This looks like you’re off loading the problem.
The Australian public is brutal, but tell them the truth and take responsibility, and they WILL learn to love you again.
[...] Often bad press is warranted. When that happens, athletes have to be honest, take it on the chin and move on. [...]
[...] I’ve blogged about this exact topic before. [...]
I was appalled at the way Stephanie Rice was crucified for her comment though. Despite clearly not using the word “faggots” as a derogatory term towards gay people, she’s been severely reprimanded thanks to the histrionics of people like Ian Roberts.
I’m far more ashamed to live in such a “precious” country where people have carried on to this extent than to live in one where someone uses the word against professional athletes who won’t be in the least concerned about being called it.
Thanks for your comment Nugby. Storm in a tea cup stuff. Stupid yes, silly yes, but life threatening no. A great lesson for other athletes to mind their P’s and Q’s on social networking websites….but nothing more.
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