YOU ARE PRIVILEGED. BE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE

YOU ARE PRIVILEGED.  HAVE THE GOOD FORM TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE.

I have had just enough privilege to know how easy it is to grow accustomed to it and to forget that most of the people who work for you don't have it.  And to know that it's easier to hang around with people who share the same kind of privilege.  And to know it's easy to begin to think you deserve it more than others and that just maybe you are a little superior.  You know that feeling of boarding First Class.  I know you do.  Suitably humble as you sigh tiredly and by-pass the riff-raff.

I know.  In many ways you paid for all of it.  You have earned the privileges.  But just know that it causes either jealousy or irritation in those that don't have it.  And encourages them to take advantage whenever they can of little privileges.  Little bitty stealing.  Little bitty gossip about you.  Little bitty rage that leads to Unions.  Little bitty exaggerating connection to you.  Little bitty accepting gifts from vendors.

Just remember the thrill (and I choose the word carefully) of your first company car.  Your first private administrator ready to make your life easy.  Your first big, comfy leadership retreat.  Your first ability to adjust your schedule for your personal needs.  Your first huge raise.

Remember to be uncomfortable with it every once in a while.
Because the people around you are.