ON THE TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS November 26, 2012 #412 Coming up next…It’s up to me!
After further review: USA TODAY recently ran an article about whom viewers trust as sports broadcasters. The story was not to criticize the personalities, but to ask the reader if the broadcaster was truthful or was it just hype. Having known sports broadcasters for over a half-century, the conclusion here is that every one of them wants to be honest, yet free speech in not always a privilege. So, do you believe sports broadcasters or do you think some say what the networks dictate?
On the playing field trust is a vital factor. Examples are plentiful: the quarterback trusts that the receiver will run the play the way it was designed, practiced and ordered. If the receiver does his job, can he trust the QB to deliver the ball as planned? Examples are present in every sport, and even, especially even, in real life situations.
Trust is huge in personal relationships. Trust must be there for relationships to succeed. Do you trust the people/companies you do business with? If you don’t, that relationship will probably cease to exist. Trust is simpler than you might imagine. “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” is a mantra to live by; in other words, do you keeps the promises you make? Moreover, do you keep the promises you make to yourself? If you can do that, keeping promises to others is easy.
Being truthful is a habit; but, so is lying or making excuses. “Don’t be an alibi-ike” my dad used to tell me. In other words, don’t make excuses, but own-up to an issue. It’s called accountability. Others will trust and respect you if they believe they can count on you. All too often when we make a mistake, the first words out of our mouths are those of trying to cover it up.
Transparency is a key element in being trustworthy. How often do we see government, corporations, universities trying to cover-up their mistakes or misdeeds? Does the word integrity come to mind? Transparency is the password in the profession of sports officiating. Television replays, albeit with their faults, allow the viewers to see what happened. The game official is more vulnerable than ever. Building trust is a constant effort.
Will you be honest with everyone, every time, in order to keep trust first and foremost?
To contact Jim go to jimtunney.com or email him at jim@jimtunney.com.
