This is the motto of the prep school where Elson Floyd attended as the first African-American graduate. Dr. Floyd died recently while serving as president of Washington State University.
Early in my career I followed the motto “mission; men; me.” I like mottos as guideposts for people and their lives. This one from the Darlington School reminds me about the lofty ideals that education institutions bring to the table. Wisdom comes from not just knowledge, but also from experience and making mistakes. Service is the leader’s goal, not being served. And then honor above all else. These are great words by which to try and live your life!
Why is it then that as people enter the workforce it becomes all about hoarding information in order for you to look good? Why is it that honor is the last thing that comes to mind when thinking about making a profit? Make the buck and don’t worry about the future or who might be harmed in the long run. Quarterly profits trump honor every day.
You can go to many organizations and they will have value statements that speak to integrity, truthfulness, transparency and courage, yet they are lacking in the organization. I call these aspirational goals. It is who we would like others to see us as being.
