What We All Can Learn From Tom Cruise – Mission Possible
You wonder why companies are cracking down on employees who are trouble makers and cause problems in the workplace and all you have to do is look at superstar Tom Cruise who has done the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. Cruise, who this reporter views as one of the most talented actors of his generation, has managed to screw up his relationship with moviegoers by acting abrupt, insulting others, trying to impose his religion on others and last but not least, acting like an idiot on the Oprah show.
Yesterday Paramount Pictures, citing his improper conduct, announced it was severing its longstanding relationship with Hollywood’s biggest star. This association goes back 14 years and billions of dollars exchanging hands during that time.
Unfortunately stars dim in the modern era when their thoughtlessness dominates the headlines. Just ask Mel Gibson or Robert Downey Jr.
Don’t cry for Tom Cruise America! He is still a super star and will command millions for his pictures. We will still enjoy his acting. But acting is where he should confine himself. The truth is that Tom Cruise unplugged and verbally punitive on TV is simply not as good as Tom Cruise the actor.
There’s a good lesson here for all of us. Never abuse our influence. Don’t try to be a wiseguy when it comes to knowing it all. Respect the people you work with. And by all means, never insult the customer’s sense of what is right.
Recent opinion polls show that the public’s view of Cruise has slipped measurably since Cruise created this “I’m a lot smarter than you attitude.”
Finally, to egotists of all careers, including TV anchors, corporate giants and political powerbrokers: be humble and be nice.
And never, ever, insult Matt Lauer on live TV.
Comments(2)
Nothing is more annoying than watching the oscars and a winner starts making a politcal statement. People have lost major endorsment and spokesmen deals due to a contraversy generated by their politcal comments. I work as a musician in addition to hopes of being a journalist one day. Larry, I know what you are talking about with what you said about egotists. I’ve encountered egotists in what I do. They’re no fun to work with. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a quie a few television journalists including you, Larry. It seems everybody has really interesting stories to tell. Now, I won’t use names, but I think a few of you in the loop will know who I’m referring to. There’s a certain local anchor who I’ve seen scold fellow colleages on the air. If a live feed fails, they yell “CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I’M DOING?” A reporter used an expletive on the air accidentally, so they said to the reporter, “I’d like to remind you that this is a G-rated family show.” They introduced the weather twenty minutes later, and they commented again on the incident as they tossed to the weather anchor. This particular person is an egotist. Plus, employees at the station tell me its worse when the newscast is over. Larry, its my hope that tomorrow’s journalists will follow the example you have set, on and off camera.
It seems to me that the fame and flashbulbs must do something to their brains. One would think that a star such as Mr. Cruise would have learned how to deal with the world looking to him as a star and giving value what he has to say. It almost seems as though he started out handling it well and has reverted into a dull-witted, over-the-top teen star. Perhaps love is the force that has caused him to think more highly of himself than the rest of us do. Who knows.
He has certainly seemed to have gone around the bend in recent months. That may also explain why he and his current ‘lady’ have not wed. She may be having second thoughts about sealing that deal, preferring to remain single.
Of course, I have no idea how I would react given the same set of circumstances. And unitl we have walked in the shoes of those we criticize, we do not really have a leg to stand on. I have always found my mother’s advice to be the best. Before you say anything, think, ponder and weigh what you want to say and how you plan to say it. Once the words are uttered, they can never be taken back. And someday, we may have to eat them, so make them sweet! Mr. Cruise would do well to heed those words before he opens his mouth the next time.