Roger Goodell just celebrated his first year as NFL Commissioner. He has faced some tough issues in his first year on the job. One thing is certain, Commissioner Goodell has demonstrated a pretty solid understanding about brand guardianship. He has faced the reality that illegal or irresponsible behavior – see Michael Vick, Adam “Pacman” Jones and others – can have an impact not only on the offender, but damages the reputation of the game and diminishes respect and support for the NFL brand, if not dealt with appropriately.
 
Using the commissioner’s language, “Protecting the Shield” has driven  his actions. (BTW - there is a new “shield” in the works.) I think Commissioner Goodell understands that brands need to be managed. They need to be treated as a company’s most treasured corporate asset, and guarded with vigilance at all times.
 
What’s your management  team, especially your CEO, doing to “protect the shield”? Let me know examples of both good things that are being done and actions, policies or even ignorance that's getting in the way of good brand guardianship.
 
And, let’s all get ready for some football!