HUMANE LEADERSHIP

In leadership it's not always the large strategic, grand things that a leader does that sets them apart.  Many times, it’s the small and humane things that a leader does . In 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated, Lyndon Bains Johnson had to assume the office of President aboard Air Force one as the 36^th President of the United States. A recent documentary of Johnson’s presidency speaks to an innocuous, but I believe important aspect of humane leadership. An act that demonstrates tremendous emotional intelligence and compassion for others.  There is audio and photos of the swearing in of Johnson aboard Air Force one standing next to a recently widowed Jacqueline Kennedy.

After the ceremony veteran correspondent Bob Schieffer,  that saw staff on the plane attempted to shake Lyndon Johnson's hand congratulating him, however, Bob reports that, LBJ, with his hands at waist level, waves his hands left to right refusing to shake hands.  He realized the gravity of the situation and the horror, tragedy, and complete inappropriateness of such a gesture.  LBJ was acutely aware of the experiences happening not just by the nation but by Jacqueline Kennedy and knew that it was improper to celebrate in a moment of absolute tragedy. This seemingly innocuous occurrence is one that speaks to the level of humanity that is critical in being a good leader and though you may take exception to the way he led and to some of the things that LBJ did during his presidency, in that moment… in that time… in that hour… he displayed the best of humanity. The weight of the world and a nation quite literally was thrust upon him, and yet, with so many pressing things on his mind, President Johnson had the presence of mind and compassion to know that this was not a time of celebration, but of mourning for our nation, especially for Mrs. Kennedy.

This brief moment of compassion and emotional intelligence are what, in my humble assessment, separates the good leaders from the truly great ones. I believe that as leaders, in things both big and small, we should always strive not to just do what’s right, decent, kind, empathetic…human…