A Fine Line

It hasn't been a good couple of weeks for two athletes.  Last Sunday, just after the Super Bowl ended, the Patriots went to a party that had been set up for them.  I don't know where it was held but clearly there was a lot of alcohol, food and dancing.  Star tight end, Rob Gronkowski, suffered through the game with a high ankle sprain and was not effective.  He worked hard to get it ready for the Super Bowl but he just wasn't the same guy.  Too bad they didn't prime him with alcohol and played loud music.  That was the elixir he apparently needed.  At the aforementioned party, Gronkowski danced the night away with little regard to his ankle which of course was caught on video.  I guess he got over the game pretty quickly.  He had surgery this week with multiple torn ligaments.  I wonder if any more were torn on the dance floor.

Sadly, Josh Hamilton had another relapse with alcohol.  It has been well documented that alcohol is his demon that has lead to drug abuse and other issues.  It's clear that he can't be at a bar or place where drinks are served.  It's too much of a temptation.  He is an incredibly talented young man that has been fighting this disease for many years.  Who know what kind of stats he could have built up without the suspensions, injury and recovery. 

What does this have to do with leadership-everything.  There is a fine line between personal and professional behavior.  While we as organization leaders usually can't probe into one's personal life-we have to take action when it negatively affects their professional life.  The Texas Rangers hire a handler to watch over Hamilton.  The Patriots have had to answer questions all week about the choices Gronkowski made after the game.  We all must give our employees the tools to deal with personal issues.  Sometimes they're the same ones used in the workplace such as goal setting, organizing and setting expectations.  In most cases, an employee in a good place personally performs better professionally.

Very often we behave differently in the work place and outside it.  Perhaps the discipline of the work place and the good habits it brings would help bring order to our personal lives.  Bringing order to our lives, helping to set priorities and creating balance will make us more productive and fulfilled.  Good luck Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Gronkowski.