Overly entitled

Question: NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas was sentenced to two years of probation for his gun-related locker room confrontation with a teammate. Why do so many hugely talented stars--athletes, actors, politicians--work hard to achieve success and then behave in ways that jeopardize their careers? Are they arrogant? Stupid? Oblivious?

Answer: Achievement in one area does not often correlate with mastery in other categories; quite the contrary, it would be surprising if anyone was equally capable in all areas.

What is surprising is that we somehow need to learn over and over that people who can act or throw balls or win elections may not have maturity of judgment, integrity, or discipline outside of their area of expertise.

Indeed, when someone is exceptionally capable in one of these high-profile, high-earning, high-visibility professions, the entire world often turns into enablers for the celebrities, making it even easier for them to develop a sense of entitlement and more difficult for them to recognize boundaries and show consideration for others.

Yes, they work hard to achieve success, and it can be that intense focus that can leave them underdeveloped in other areas and susceptible to the misguided or cynical assurances of those around them that the rules for the little folk do not apply to stars.

By Nell Minow  |  March 28, 2010; 8:28 PM ET  | Category:  squandering success Save & Share:                 
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Posted by: kentonsmith | March 31, 2010 5:07 PM
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