Ever hear of the grey man?
Urban Dictionary has it right: A man who can blend into any scene or situation without standing out, hiding his skills and qualities.
In Ranger School, I worked hard to be the grey man. A ranger student doesn’t want to be noticed. The idea was to stay unnoticed by the cadre and work hard to support your team.
In Air Assault School, I tried to be the grey man but I was the kid from New York at an Oklahoma National Guard School. Grey man didn’t work.
As a PAO, when my people or my leaders are being highlighted for something great, I’m the grey man. “Please be sure I’m not in the shot,” I would say. I don’t want my guy who just got an award to be seen with the PAO screwing around.
As a PAO, when a sports team wants to recognize some soldiers, I am grey. Stay out of the spotlight.
On staff, I am far from the grey man. So so far. I stand out. I ask questions. I give advice on things other than public affairs. I am a massive contributor on the staff.
A good PAO knows when to fade into the background and when not to. Seem obvious? Good, now go and do likewise.
Photo by Senior Airman James Thompson
