The first time I heard this phrase, I was a young leader. It struck me as both profound and simple: “Leave it better than you found it.”
CSM Albertson was the one who said it. But he didn’t just say it—he lived it.
He explained that this mindset isn’t just a quote to hang on the wall—it’s something we must demonstrate daily as leaders. It means taking responsibility for not only maintaining what exists, but actively improving it for those who come after us.
When he took over our platoon, we were in a bad spot. Five of the last eight senior leaders had been relieved after internal conflict tore the team apart. Morale was low. Trust was lower. We were all hoping someone would come in and get us back on track.
CSM Albertson led with humility and purpose. He didn’t show up trying to be a savior—he brought us into the process and made it clear: this is our team, and we’re going to rebuild it together.
And we did.
Within months, we deployed to Afghanistan for the first time. Under his leadership, we later invaded Iraq—and lived through some of the wildest, most intense nights of my Ranger career.
That experience cemented something for me:
Leaving it better than you found it isn’t a goal—it’s a principle.
One you lead with. One you expect from others. And one that, when embraced by a team, changes the entire trajectory of a unit or organization.
It’s Not About You
As I’ve grown as a senior leader, I’ve learned that this principle comes with a second, equally important truth:
You might not be around to see the results of your work.
True leadership isn’t about recognition. It’s about laying foundations that others can build upon. Sometimes that means tearing down the weak parts. Other times, it’s reinforcing and strengthening what’s already there.
But if done right, the culture you shape becomes self-sustaining. It outlasts you—and that’s the point.
Let me give you an example.
Years after CSM Albertson left our platoon, here’s what happened:
- Four members went on to serve in Delta Force
- Two officers became senior leaders in the Army
- Five or six became Command Sergeants Major
- Two to three were awarded Silver Stars for valor
- The platoon became requested by name for some of the toughest combat deployments
- Others went on to become CEOs, entrepreneurs, and even political candidates
This wasn’t an accident. It was the result of a foundation laid years prior.
And when he departed the formation, we inscribed these words on the bottom of his farewell plaque: “Thank you for leaving us better than you found us.”
That line still resonates with me today.
The Legacy You Leave Behind
Leadership isn’t about control or credit. It’s about investment. It’s about building teams, cultures, and systems that outlast you.
When you lead with the mindset of leaving things better, you create a ripple effect. You may not always see it, but it will endure—in missions, in careers, in lives changed.
I can personally attest: a leader invested in me and my team. And that investment has been paying off for nearly two decades.
We could all benefit from leading with one simple goal in mind: Leave it better than you found it.
I hope this adds value to your life. ~ Mike