Don Imus Went Too Far

I’m a huge Don Imus fan–or should I say, “I WAS a fan.” I thought he was brilliant in how he reinvented his career (after his drug filled 70’s and 80’s) and made his NY radio show a leading morning TV show. A lesson in repurposing content.

But his latest vulgar episode with the Rutgers basketball slur happened for one reason–he started to believe is own sh_ _. He thought he was invincible because he was Don Imus. He cut himself off from anyone who could challenge him on his methods–surrounded only by ‘yes men’ whose future depended upon kissing up.

Let this be a lesson to us all.
The moment we think we’re invincible is exactly the time the walls start to cave in on us. It happens to great sales people who start to make enormous amounts of money–and then get sloppy with customer service or stop prospecting.

It happens to great sales managers who think they don’t have to learn any more–and continue to manage using old fear-based tactics.

It happens to business owners who refuse to take the internet seriously and who refuse to learn new marketing methods and business models.

So, if you think the Imus story has nothing to do with you, think again. It just might. Check out your connection with real people–your customers, your coaches, your family. Make sure you continue to learn and grow–keep your intent high. The ego has a subversive way of sneaking up on you and telling you you’re invincible.