46: Once in, always in

It is almost 15 years since I started saying to colleagues who were leaving my organisation and ‘business family’ that ‘Once is always’. I initiated this tradition in Commercial Fleet, then in Fleet Solutions and finally in the last four years in Business Mobility[1].

The phrase "Once in X, always in X" is used in several organizations, or groups, to signify a lifelong sense of loyalty or identity. Famously ‘Once a Marine, always a Marine’ for the U.S. Marine Corps, reflecting the long-lasting loyalty and pride of being a part of the U.S. Marines, even after retirement or discharge,[2] and this quote is also used in companies like Coca-Cola, Goldman-Sachs, Disney or McKinsey. This is not extensive research but mostly it is used in North America. It might be because of the need of the early pioneers to stick together, or I might just be making this rationale up!

For me, this expression represents the bond that, as a member of my organisation, we created over time with the people who were part of this business. A bond based on a common direction, respect for others, a desire to grow and be challenged, in a positive environment.

I used it to emphasise that, as a member of my organisation, if you had been associated with it for long enough, you had taken part in its success and made it something special, and different.

Your affiliation to the business, because of your contribution, would not expire and what had been learnt, experienced and achieved, would be there to stay, including long lasting friendships, including when you would leave the company to retire or do something else.

Wherever you belong to, try to build a place where ‘once is always’ - it will be rewarding for you and for those who are part of it.

[1] The evolution of the organisational names shows also the evolution of the business!

[2] There are more ‘once in ... always in ..’, for example the Army Rangers or the Scouts or being a Jedi: ‘Once a Jedi, always a Jedi’, though not an official organisation outside Star Wars! And of course, ‘Once in the Mafia, always in the Mafia’ refers to the lifelong tie within organized crime families.