Okay.. here's my opinion. Five years first city, fifteen years second and eight at the current.Always keep your nose clean.. never break the rules (unless instructed to do so by your supervisor and then document)
Administer what is in black and white. The gray areas you need to lean toward the more restrictive unless you know that it won't come back to bite you.
Be fair but firm. Always be open to hearing others interpretations. Be willing to accept that you are sometimes wrong. Suck it up and go on about your business. I have actually changed my opinion based on someone elses interpretation to the code.
Do not put yourself above others. We are all in the business for the same reason.. at least most of us are anyway.
This goes with the above statement....Do not talk down to others. This will make others appreciate you!
Don't have the "I am GOD" attitude. Work with people to achieve compliance. there is always wiggle room when it comes to compliance of the codes. It may not be exactly what they want but at least it shows you are willing to work with them.
I could probably go on and on but I'm tired of typing... my two fingers are hurting
Oh by the way..........I retired from my last position on 6-21-12. Well I thought I was going to retire anyway... The city I was working for has already asked me to do some consulting work for them and the building officials association has asked me to travel the State and put on seminars indifferent sections of the State...... Oh well........ I love this profession and will still be involved in it!