Today’s guest post is by Greg Schmalz, president, Schmalz Communications.

For years Tony Robbins has been known for his motivational seminars to help individuals to maximize their potential. Just last week, he conducted another one of his “Unleash the Power Within” seminars in San Jose, Calif.  Take risks; take action.  But this time, his program may have backfired.

Part of the seminar included walking across hot coals on lanes that measured 10 feet long. Temperatures ranged from 1,200 to 2,000 degrees. The result? Nearly two dozen of his attendees suffered second and third degree burns which required medical attention.

Was it a fluke? Reportedly his program has been doing this for more than three decades. But it only takes one incident to tarnish his reputation.  Motivational?  Like the thrill of victory and the agony of the feet.

Heck, why not have your customers walk on broken glass or maybe get them to believe they can walk on water. How many times have you walked barefoot on the pavement on a hot summer’s day and hopped around because of the heat, let alone walked over hot coals?

While Robbins, himself, would not make a statement, a spokesperson from Robbins Research International said, "We have been safely providing this experience for more than three decades, and always under the supervision of medical personnel…  we continue to work with local fire and emergency personnel to ensure this event is always done in the safest way possible." 

Really?  But what concern have they shown or expressed for those who have been burned by this experience? If Robbins wanted to leave a lasting impression, he apparently has. But this exercise seems to be one that has gone up in smoke.  How many have he “motivated” to return to another seminar?