Addictive Behavior and Work

Accountability Authenticity Well-being

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Key Point: in our humanism, we are all likely to have a “fall” or two as we complete a life at work. Hopefully it is a small scrape with a pretty quick bounce back. Sometimes the fall is very painful and recovery a steep climb. This is often the case for team mates who struggle with addictions. I’ve worked with a number of addicts during my career and wish I was better at helping them help themselves. When we accept our fall, the action for healing and learning begins. In that context the Leigh Steinberg story is an example and inspiration. He is in the process of his recovery.

Leigh Steinberg, the famed sports agent, has filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. He has represented many successful athletes and coaches in most major sports including the first overall pick in the NFL draft an unprecedented eight times. His clients have included Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks Steve Young, Troy Aikman, and Warren Moon, and he served as the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire.

The following is a quote from Steinberg as reported recently in the online magazine Postgame,

“I have struggled with alcohol for a number of years. In the past five or six years I began to check out episodically for short periods. My judgment and oversight of my affairs was not consistent and was at times impaired. I am responsible for my own addiction — no one forced me to drink — and in revealing my struggle with alcoholism, I am in no way justifying or excusing my circumstance. But I discuss it to provide context as well as understanding and inspiration to those who also battle addictive behavior. I surrendered to the reality that I was an alcoholic and my behavior was impacting family and associates in March 2010. I surrendered to the concept that until I tackled alcoholism, other priorities needed to be put aside.”

Character Move:

  1. Be honest. Accept the fall!
  2. Have the courage to put ego aside and begin recovery.
  3. It is necessary and strength to get help. Don’t go it alone.
  4. Recovery will be an inspiration to others. Everyone likes a comeback story.

If you know of someone in addictive trouble at work, strongly encourage them to take advantage of the employee assistance programs available. Don’t close your eyes and hope they get better.

Recovery in the Triangle,

Lorne