The way we treat things is our way of showing gratitude for those who came before us and a way of showing hope to those who will come after us.
We are all stewards, then, rather than owners.
The planet, this job, that community, this relationship - our actions to and in these things are tacit nods to our predecessors and successors. What messages are you sending?
Will we leave it all better than when we found it?
Leadership improves things, regardless of origin or ownership.