After ten years, Mark Greene still dies . . .

My husband and I are re-watching the old television series, ER.  He gave me the series in a DVD set for Christmas two years ago and we pull a season from time to time on a rainy day, when we just want to lose ourselves in a story, and re-live the events of the characters' (incredibly) rich lives.  This weekend we finished season eight.  I knew we would come to it eventually.  I was dreading the episode in which Dr. Mark Greene finally succumbs to brain cancer (the original season eight aired in 2002).  But there it was on Sunday afternoon.


This time -- ten years later -- I was able to view the story line from a somewhat more objective place (though still through tears) -- and heard more of what good Doctor Greene had to say.  One line that really resonated for me came from Greene's departing words to his nemesis, Dr. Kerry Weaver.  In the series, both Greene and Weaver were hardworking emergency room physicians who sought (and found) solace and refuge in their ER work through some of their greatest personal trials.  As Greene leaves the hospital for the last time -- too ill to work any longer -- he can be seen closing his locker in the doctor's lounge where only he and Kerry are present.  He turns to Weaver and warns her not to let her work become her life (as his presumably has -- until it is simply too late).


It's a heart wrenching scene -- and one that would leave many a professional, executive or leader squirming a bit uncomfortably.  I know it did for me ten years ago . . .


Both history and legend are rife with eulogies of people who (to the detriment of their family, health and values) gave everything to their work and tales of people who died (too) shortly after their work lives ended.


I can think of no better argument for living a full life inclusive of a variety of practices that enrich one's life and the lives of others.  You don't get a "do-over" on this one.


So, for the Greenes and Weavers everywhere, I encourage you: do not let your work become your life.  Give credit to your peers and colleagues, both by acknowledging their contributions and by empowering them to share the load.  Your success is symbolized by an organization that easily navigates your wake rather than drowns in the whirlpool of your departure.  Enrich your organization -- corporate, service, non-profit or community -- by exposing yourself to new ideas outside of work that can ignite your imagination for new solutions and inspire and excite your team.  Make time for what's important -- and work is part, but not all of it.  Be a role model in the way you give attention to your personal relationships, serve your community and attend to your health and fitness.  Your wellness will contribute to the wellness of others -- and to a better world.


After ten years, Mark Greene still dies -- because in the recorded history of television, his fate as a "workaholic" is sealed.  Yours is not.  You can make change . . . starting now.