One of the faculty in my PhD program wasn’t the most popular.  Some thought him arrogant, a bully.  But he and I got along fine.  I even attended his management course and subbed for him.

Maybe it’s birds of a feather.  But I think it’s for a different reason.  Aside from our common interest in leadership studies. I addressed him as Dean – he was the former one of the department.  He once told me “You know, I’m no longer one.”  I replied, “Once one, always one.”  It wasn’t to boost his ego or win him over.  I really believe in this principle.  It’s respect.

You never lose the skills and lessons picked up in any role or responsibility.  I’ve had accomplished mentors and it was understood that until they told me to call them by their first name, I would address them by their former title.  Maybe it’s old school, but I think it runs deeper.

Society tends to have a what have you done for me lately attitude.  Horrid and ungrateful.  We should recognize and appreciate past contributions rather than forget and discard.

One thing I valued at the NYPD is that notable acts of service and tenure are recognized openly – in ceremonies and reflected on uniforms.  It may seem trivial, but it’s important.  People need to feel valued and appreciated.

General David Petraeus (someone I respect as a leader, strategist, and scholar) would wear his uniform with medals and decorations to CIA functions when he was Director.  Some point to this practice as evidence of his insecurity or inability to fit in.  Maybe a hint of truth, but I can’t imagine this brilliant accomplished man being too much that way.  I think he wore his uniform for pride and an accurate reflection of who he was.  Maybe unnecessary, but defensible.

What we do doesn’t just echo in eternity – it reflects who we are and although I shy away from this thought, even defines us.