Ted Kennedy and the Legacy of Leadership

Last week Senator Edward M. Kennedy lost his battle to cancer. Over the weekend I was glued to the TV like most people watching coverage of his life and death. I could not help but be amazed by the fact that in interview after interview, from his family members and colleagues, to the average person on the street, how much he touched people’s lives because of his leadership. What a legacy Kennedy leaves behind, but most importantly, the type of leader he was offers us lessons we can all learn from.

Admit you are not perfect: Senator Kennedy was the first to admit he had made mistakes throughout his life, both personally and professionally. He even stated in an interview that he thought about giving up his senate seat because of some past mistakes and misjudgments.

Use your leadership to help others: Kennedy was known to take up causes of the voiceless, the underserved and the less fortunate. From civil rights and equal pay to education and healthcare, he fought for to right what he felt was inadequate.

Leadership is a privilege, not a right: Some will say Senator Kennedy was given his position because of his family's wealth or brother’s influence. But just like the support he received from those who elected him, leaders need the support of people to maintain their position.

Be an agent of change: Kennedy pursued issues with passion to make changes that would benefit the majority regardless of what opposition lay ahead. Most of us know, sometimes doing what is right is not always the same as doing what is popular.

Never forget to acknowledge others: While watching the coverage, I heard story after story from people who said that they had a problem, wrote the senator and he wrote them back. It has also been noted he felt it important to thank others and was known to send handwritten notes and letters frequently.

Be willing to listen and compromise: Leaders from both parties remarked how the senator had a record amount of bills passed. The common theme to these statements was that Kennedy was willing to listen and make compromises when needed.

As leaders, we should always strive to leave things better than we found them, to make a difference, to take risks and leave a legacy others will remember.

What will your leadership legacy be?