Personal Issues-Professional Impact

Last week, Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, started the second game of the National League playoffs. He pitched five innings giving up four runs and ultimately took the loss. Not a sharp performance. We found out after the game that his wife Heidi was in labor and gave birth to a son the next morning.

Flash back one year. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, was benched in the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens after playing terribly. His play had been awful for several weeks. A couple of weeks later, his wife delivered twins. He had a great finish to the year and took the Eagles to the NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals.

As sports fans, we expect that players will play at a consistently high level week in and week out. In fact, many athletes pride themselves in being able to compartmentalize personal or off field issues from game day. Personally, I don't buy it. Maybe for a few games, but not over the course of a season. It's hard to imagine you wouldn't be impacted by the birth of a child, the first pregnancy you and your wife are going through. I know I was excited and nervous for the birth of both boys.

The nuances of leadership require that you understand, appreciate and sometimes celebrate a staff member's personal life. Admittedly, results are what counts-but you also have to lead for the long run. I don't know if Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had much choice in starting Hamels against the Colorado Rockies. I do know it would take a unique individual to get on the mound and pitch knowing his wife was close to delivering their first child. Should fans hold athletes to a different standard than we would ourselves or a co-worker? A friend of mine says we should because of the millions they are paid. I say not so fast! We have to assume that personal issues will impact professional results. As leaders, we need to do what we can to be empathetic while getting the person back on track professionally.

I wish I could say that Hamels bounced back and pitched a gem against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. He pitched ok, but he'll need to improve if the Phillies are going to repeat as World Champions. Congratulations to the Hamels' family on their newborn son.