Life was difficult “back then” – those that preceded my generation went through hell, and I commend them on their journey. Their feelings are valid.

But my empathy ends when, on their ascension to power, they adopt the very practices they claim to hate.

The ones who subjected them to those detrimental practices are long retired – or in some cases, probably dead now – this new cohort can choose one of two paths for leading the next generation:

• Continue previous practices, demanding the newcomers experience the same “rite of passage” they experienced.

• Contemplate how they would have preferred to be treated, and do that instead.

The former approach saddens me. Irate with their previous leadership, and either unable or unwilling to address it with them, this new regime passes the negative energy downhill as a way to feel better.

The “I had to do it, so do you” mentality.

But there’s no more admirable act than the latter path – to suffer through adversity on the ascent, but then choose a better path when given the power to similarly subject others to the same fate.

A path toward progress.

Society collectively obsesses over continuous process improvement, but what about continuous people improvement?

We constantly improve everything in the workplace except the human condition.

Make the right call.

Be better.

Do better.

We feel your pain for what you went through – honestly – but take the bold leap to improve the human condition.

If you choose not to, then that’s a shame – but we will patiently await our turn to do the right thing.