Integrity Matters
November 23, 2005
Owens' big ego cost him dearly
Question: (E-213)
Dear Jim:
Terrell Owens' self-destructive behavior got him removed
from the Philadelphia Eagles football team, where he
was being paid millions of dollars. Is he off his rocker?
Response:
Whether or not Terrell Owens is off his rocker, he
definitely has been tossed from his locker - at least
in Philadelphia. What a pathetic misuse of talent. Even
so, his meltdown provides another occasion to learn about
integrity-centered behavior. What did he do that was
so wrong? He treated those around him shabbily.
Will Rogers often prefaced his remarks with: "I
only know what I have read in the newspaper." Were
he living today, he might add: " ... or heard on
the radio or saw on television."
What I know about Terrell Owens is primarily from television
and printed stories, where he appears with a large number
of dramatic contradictions. Owens is talented and immature,
rich and foolish, and always very full of himself. His
ego has cost him dearly in tainted reputation and squandered
opportunities.
Ron Borges, of the Boston Globe, wrote: "The
Eagles' mistake was that they thought Owens would be
grateful ... that ... they'd saved him from a quarterback-less
exile with the Baltimore Ravens and (he would) be thankful
for their help.
"Terrell Owens does not see the world as a place
where people give him a helping hand toward success.
He sees it as a place he dominates by talent and a willfulness
that has finally gotten him into some very hot water."
According to one of our successful business clients,
when irritation factors outweigh performance, change
is inevitable.
Owens' ego appears out of control. He offended his
company's leadership. He lost his place on his team,
possibly ending a promising career. Unfortunately, he
is neither the first nor the last fool with talent.
Those with talent, including money, power, ability
and opportunity must:
- Show genuine appreciation for God-given
talent and opportunity.
- Respect and support colleagues.
- Honor rules of engagement.
- Share the spotlight, graciously.
- Model integrity-centered behavior.
Or, risk losing it all.
