Beyond Victory and Defeat
Leading with Grace
“Any definition of a successful life must include service to others.”
- George H. W. Bush
Beyond Victory and Defeat
Chasing Influence: Transformational Coaching to Build Champions for Life
This week’s story is from Chasing Influence workbook three.
The 41st President of the United States was George H. W. Bush, who had a remarkable life journey. He was a war hero in World War II, a Yale baseball captain, a successful businessman, a prominent politician, and an esteemed elder statesman. President Bush had a competitive edge, evident in his approach to everything, even family games, for which he had set up his own ranking committee. The committee had one member: himself.
While President Bush had his share of successes and failures, those who knew him well remembered him for his leadership that embodied grace and compassion. He led by example, as demonstrated when he attended the funeral of a White House telephone operator without publicizing his attendance and even delivered the eulogy. It was a profound gesture that epitomized the humility and compassion that he lived by.
During his tenure as president, President Bush faced a difficult and bitter re-election campaign against Bill Clinton. Despite the stresses and challenges, he always maintained his composure and character. Bush was late on the night of his concession speech, but no one knew why. He had been consoling an employee whose spouse had just been diagnosed with cancer.
After his defeat in the election, President Bush could have chosen to feel sorry for himself, but he did not. Instead, he thought of the White House employees who would be out of work after his term ended. To lift their spirits, he secretly invited comedian Dana Carvey, who had mocked him on Saturday Night Live, to the White House to tell some jokes. It was a gracious and selfless gesture that spoke volumes about his character.
There are moments of controversy within President George H. W. Bush's presidency. Part of his legacy also includes elements of leadership, courage, and compassion. After a campaign that included unfortunate personal attacks and nastiness that has become too common in politics, one of the last things George H. W. Bush did as President was to leave President-elect Bill Clinton a handwritten note awaiting his arrival in the Oval Office. The note was from one political rival to another after months of difficult campaigning resulting in a Bush defeat:
Dear Bill,
When I walked into this office just now, I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.
I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.
There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice, but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course.
You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.
Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you.
Good luck—
George
Best of luck this week, America. I am rooting hard for you.
"There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit."
- Ronald Reagan
Connecting this quote to the story. At times in his life, President George H.W. Bush demonstrated selfless leadership and compassion, including attending the funeral of a White House telephone operator without publicizing it. President Bush's actions show that doing good deeds and helping others should not be driven by the desire for personal recognition or credit.
Chasing Influence tip: A great leader knows that success is not defined solely by achievement. Instead, it’s defined more by the positive impact made on others.
If you enjoyed this story, a series of three Chasing Influence workbooks is available. Stories are accompanied by discussion questions and answers. Each workbook contains 33 lessons to use with any team.
Updates on Chasing Influence
Last week I had a great time on the Talent Equation podcast with Stuart Armstrong!
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©Troy Urdahl, 2024