Billy Payne—the voice of a leader?

Why would Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne unleash a very harsh and focused reprimand on one of the participating golfers at this year’s Masters? Last time I checked the ability to hit a 207 yard sweeping 40 yard hook with a five iron out of the rough to 12 feet at hole number 9 to setup a birdie, has nothing to do with an individual’s own personal decision-making on how he lives his life. While Tiger Woods’ overly analyzed personal life has certainly disappointed all his fans, I do not think that Payne’s diatribe did anything but bring focus to the elitist mentality of the membership/leadership of Augusta National. Arrogance, self-righteousness, pomposity could all be words that could describe Payne’s Wednesday’s news conference. However please understand that this worldwide televised prepared statement was the message that the membership of Augusta National wanted to communicate and Payne as the leader delivered it with great clarity. As a leader, you can be placed in some difficult situations as you represent attitudes, beliefs and culture of your organization. Do I think Payne was conflicted with the responsibility of pontificating about how Tiger had let down the next three generation of kids around the world? No. Just remember as a leader the old axiom—-”people who live in glass houses”. As a leader you have to take stands, but self-righteousness is not a characteristic that will encourage most people to buy-in into you as a leader.