http://blogs.bnet.com/ceo/?p=4924&tag=nl.e713

It's always good to hear different opinion.

In fact, retired four-star general Colin Powell once said, “Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.”

But the controversial culture raises a number of pointed questions:

• Does it rationalize outrageous and destructive behavior like alcohol and drug abuse?
• Are executives really at their best the morning after a night of partying?
• Does it increase safety risks and quality concerns?
• Did MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) and lower DUI thresholds effectively kill it … and is that a good thing?

Personally, I think the benefits of “work hard, play hard” within an organization - fostering team spirit and breaking down cross-functional and management level barriers - far outweigh the downside risks. That said, folks have to be mature enough to utilize the privilege responsibly. If not, then I think leaders should consider running their organizations Teddy Roosevelt’s way, “When you play, play hard; when you work, don’t play at all.”