Joining a fraternity in college was, I truly believe, one of the top five frattiest things I’ve ever done.
Through years of bringing new pledges into the group and initiating them as full-fledged members, we had many discussions about the “NIB Fire” (NIB = Newly Initiated Brother).
The young dudes with the NIB Fire had some of the most creative ideas, invested time and energy into even the smallest events, and were just genuinely super thrilled to be a part of our group.
When the novelty of frat life was wearing down among the seniors focused on jobs and grad school, we relied on the energized sophomores to volunteer, plan parties, and recruit new members. When I was a senior focused on editing our school’s paper and sleeping through PT, the NIBs were the ones making sure girls like my now-wife wanted to come to our events. Thanks, fellas.
We had to be careful not to extinguish the NIB Fire. Everyone has a limit to how many times they’re told ‘no’ or forced to take a back seat, until they’ll detach from the team and find a different creative outlet.
You’re going to see people with The Fire in your job. Young folks who just joined the military. New commanders super excited to engage the media and shape the narrative. PA staff members fresh into the career field, or back from DINFOS advanced classes, or finally part of a PA office as good as yours.
Support their ideas. Empower them. Help direct their energy in way they’ll find productive and gratifying.
Don’t let the fire burn out.
