The word ‘peer’ refers to someone with equal standing: an equal, especially based on age, rank or status.
Recently, someone I considered a subordinate referred to me as a peer. At first I was a little surprised, honestly maybe insulted. Then I thought about it a little.
This dude always did anything I asked. He was respectful. He appropriately challenged and asked questions of the things I directed. He contributed to our thought process and decision making. He led those around him.
How great is this? He didn’t give a crap about a lame-ass line and block chart. He felt we were equals. This is exactly where leaders should want to be.
I thought about it a little bit more. Who did I consider a peer? Through the vast majority of PA career, I have been on the close, personal staff of a general officer. I was usually one of the lowest ranking dudes. Who did I consider my peers?
I considered the general officers leading the other staffs my peers. I’m not a general. My peers on the rest of the staff, even if they were generals, respected my opinion and direction. They sought my advice and took it. Yep, those generals were my peers.
Who do you consider your peers and subordinates?
The dud J4 who happens to outrank you? He’s probably your subordinate.
The J2 and J3 who outrank you a couple times over? If they’re performers. If they contribute to the mission like you do, they’re probably your peers.
Last year, I was in a small firefight with a few general officers. We picked up each other’s sectors and watched each other’s back. We were peers.
Maybe instead of basing equality on rank or the org chart, base it on excellence and the mission.
Photo by Sgt. Miguel Rosales
