Just wanted to share something I’ve noticed happening more and more lately. Maybe you’ve seen it, too.

Ever had a friend, neighbor, colleague, co-worker, acquaintance – or even a family member – who became important?

You know, someone who used to be dependable, trustworthy, and helpful. But then they got a promotion, were elected to a leadership role, or moved into a management position – and their priorities seem to have changed almost overnight.

This is for all of you who have experienced this unfortunate transformation. These are the questions I’d like to pose to these folks; perhaps you can relate.

Remember when you’d drop whatever you were doing to give us a hand? And you were always there for us when we needed you?

But then you became important.

Remember when you’d go out of your way to help us? And we could always depend on you to get back to us?

But then you became important.

Remember when you put personal relationships ahead of career aspirations? And you were interested in doing the right thing instead of what was expected?

 But then you became important.

Remember when supporting “us” was more important than pleasing “them”? And you valued people more than policies?

 But then you became important.

Remember when you appreciated diversity and creativity more than conformity and consistency? And you abhorred a “cookie-cutter” approach to virtually anything?

But then you became important.

Remember when you were concerned about individuals more than institutions? And you seemed to be clear about what truly matters?

But then you became important.

Remember when you really cared about other people? And you believed in – and practiced – the Golden Rule?

But then you became important.

Speaking for all those you left behind during your ascent, we liked you much better before you became important.

Aaron Hughey

Bowling Green