Gary Larson, creator of the comic strip “The Far Side” once illustrated 2-deer standing on their hind legs in the woods, with one having a bullseye birthmark on its stomach. The other deer staring at the bullseye states, “Bummer of a birthmark, Hal.”
The other day I was at a medical clinic when the nurse walked into the waiting room and announced that is was “Mr. Madoff’s” turn to see the doctor. I’m certain it wasn’t “the real famous Mr. Madoff,” since he is currently serving time at a correctional facility in the Carolinas. However, I thought to myself, “Bummer of a birthmark, Mr. Madoff.” This sparked a stream of thoughts as relates to silent problems and birthmarks. For instance:
- Will GM be able to recreate its once glorious image, or will it be a “Bummer of a birthmark, GM” future?
- Will Chrysler and its newly announced marriage with Fiat be able to rebuild its image, or once again will it be a “Bummer of a birthmark, Chrysler” future.
- And how about institutions like Citigroup, AIG, Bank of America and a slew of others that faltered, yet were saved? Will they too be noted for their “birthmark” from the past?
In the past year, thousands of businesses have found unwanted “bullseye birthmarks” attached to their names and their businesses. Many were well deserved, while others were merely situational. Regardless, those with the bullseye birthmark are being closely watched. And if you’re in one of those situations, there is only one way out. Be squeeky clean and walk the talk. At the very least, you don’t want to be seen as controversial.
Good luck…
