Beyond Recognition

The Hidden Impact of Staying Left of Bang

The most important work we do often remains invisible.

A King once asked a renowned doctor who the best physician in his family was.

"My oldest brother practices prevention. He sees the source of an illness and treats it long before his patients start experiencing any symptoms. As a result, people do not realize how much their physician does for them, and so he is not on their mind.”

“My other brother treats his patients the moment they experience the first symptoms of an illness. He heals them before the ailment progresses any further, and as a result, people notice and appreciate his skill.”

“As for me, people come to see me when they are already very sick. I use various methods to treat them: the strongest herbs, most powerful acupuncture treatments, and even surgeries! Sadly, in most cases, I am unable to help my patients. However, from time to time, I manage to save a person’s life. And that is what people love to talk about, which is the reason for my fame.”

In the public safety and security settings, this Taoist anecdote perfectly captures the essence of "getting left of bang."

Professionals who effectively prevent crises like acts of violence and prepare relentlessly behind the scenes for disasters and disruptions often remain unseen and uncelebrated. Their success, ironically, is measured by what doesn't happen. Because their proactive actions ensure that incidents either never occur or cause minimal disruption, their critical contributions frequently pass unnoticed.

In contrast, those who fail to prevent or adequately prepare often find themselves reacting heroically to crises. They may receive widespread praise for their bravery and responsiveness, even though the incident itself might have been entirely avoidable with proactive measures.

Yet, this invisible effectiveness is precisely the goal. Being truly left of bang means prioritizing community safety and resilience above personal recognition. It is about choosing to act proactively and ethically, even if that path leads to quiet accomplishments rather than public accolades.

John Boyd, the legendary fighter pilot and military strategist, captured this choice clearly when advising a young officer:

"One day you will come to a fork in the road and you’re going to have to make a decision about which direction you want to go," Boyd explained.

"If you go that way, you can be somebody. You will have to make compromises and you will have to turn your back on your friends. But you will be a member of the club and you will get promoted and you will get good assignments."

"Or you can go the other way and you can do something—something for your country, and for your Air Force and for yourself. If you decide you want to do something, you may not get promoted and you may not get the good assignments and you certainly will not be a favorite of your superiors."

"But you won't have to compromise yourself. You will be true to your friends and to yourself. And your work might make a difference."

"To be or to do? Which way will you go?"

Professionals committed to staying left of bang choose Boyd’s second path. Their reward is the quiet satisfaction of knowing they've done something significant and done what was needed to ensure that safety and stability define their community's future.