Leadership Lessons from a Life Well Lived

Early this morning, we learned of the passing of one of the greats. Abit Massey, or “Mr. Abit,” as we lovingly referred to him. He was 96.

Mr. Abit served as president of the Georgia Poultry Federation until 2009 and remained active in the industry and the association world until his passing. He has received numerous awards and accolades from UGA, GSAE, the Boy Scouts of America, and many, many more, serving in a variety of leadership roles over the years as well. At a recent gathering in his honor, former Governor Nathan Deal called him “the best governor the state of Georgia never had."

But I’m not here to write a biography of Mr. Abit. That’s been done, and done well. A few years ago, Maria M. Lameiras at UGA wrote an amazing biography on Mr. Abit, which you can read here. And my beloved Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE) has a page dedicated to the legend that grows each year, which you can read here. We also have an annual luncheon in his honor, with a medal of his FACE (and hair, obviously). Heck, ten years ago, I started a twitter account for the man’s hair. Now, THAT’S the stuff of legends.

Today, as I reflect on the impact Mr. Abit had on the lives and career paths of so many, I want to share just a few leadership lessons he taught me over the last sixteen years that I had the pleasure of knowing him.

• Show Up – Mr. Abit always showed up. Whether to the state capitol, a rotary luncheon, Sunday school or the GSAE Annual Meeting, Mr. Abit was there, and he was PRESENT. He worked the room and made real connections with the people there. He left everyone feeling special. He showed up early and stayed late.

• Keep It Real – Mr. Abit had a wicked sense of humor, and he ALWAYS kept it real. He was always well-dressed with his hair on point, but he wasn't FANCY. He loved Waffle House, and he always had a chicken joke at the ready. He remembered your inside jokes, and never missed the opportunity to make a well-natured jab.

• Make Memories – Mr. Abit once flew cross-country to drive back to Atlanta with his grandson in his Tesla, making all the stops along the way. They drove Route 66, went to the Grand Canyon, really took their time. Talk about making memories. He took the trips. He wore the silly ties. He ordered the strawberry pie.

• Remember their Names – Mr. Abit not only remembered EVERYONE'S names, he remembered our life stories, our backgrounds, what made us special and made us tick. He was infamous for delivering pages-long speaker intros with NO NOTES. This wasn't a party trick. He genuinely cared for the people in his life, and took the time to get to know them. He was incredible.

• It’s Not About You - Now, Mr. Abit had his share of awards and accolades. He never asked for any of them, but he was gracious in letting us all honor him and the incredible impact he had on all the industries and service areas he shone his light in. But what he REALLY loved was honoring others. Whether by nominating them for awards and accolades, or inviting them to speak at his annual luncheon, or - and this is my favorite - by picking a different young person each year to help recruit the most new individual members into GSAE, knowing this would result in their receipt of the Skelton-Massey Award. Who better to refer new members than the man who LITERALLY knew everyone? But every year, he would refer new recruits to a different young person to champion GSAE and usher in these new members. Just so he could honor them.

When I got my first "big" job, Mr. Abit was right there when I got the call, and gave me the biggest hug. He was so happy for me, truly, and he knew how hard I had worked for it. I can think of no better way to celebrate than with a Mr. Abit hug. He gave them freely, and they came with real love and meaning. Those of us who have been in that warm embrace are mourning today, but we're also celebrating. Celebrating a life well-lived, and full of love, laughter and lessons. The stuff of legends.

Our thoughts and hearts are with Miss Kayanne, Camille, and Lewis today and always, knowing the impact on them is that much more.

Rest in peace, Mr. Abit.