Lesson in Humility: Thank you, President Jimmy Carter

I travel a lot – like every week. Most of my journeys are international, and I am honored to meet and share life with people from every country, nationality, race, creed, tradition, and faith. It is amazing.

Inevitably, I am always asked, “Where are you from?” and as I swell with pride, I reply:

?“I am a son of Georgia.”

Being from Georgia is special to me. Everyone loves our peaches, peanuts, pecans, Coca-Cola, music, sports, fantastic weather, and our southern food, but there is more. The history of our people is deep and rich with efforts and devotion to freedom. From Nathanial Greene (signer of the Constitution) to Hank Aaron, from Bobby Jones (Augusta National) to the great writers like Alice Walker (The Color Purple) and Margaret Mitchell, we go deep through the surface, but there is more.

Andrew Young, Ralph Abernathy, Hosea Williams, Joseph Lowery, and Dr. Martin Luther King changed the world. Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, NCR, Delta Airlines, Newell, and Gulfstream plant their flags here. Let us also never forget our commitment to education. From Emory University to Georgia Tech, from Mercer University to UGA (Go Dawgs!), life here is undeniably good – yet, when I reflect on the past, ?one name, and one name only, can top the list – President Jimmy Carter.?

While President Carter and I disagreed on a few economic policies, we never disagreed on the most important of things – His Character. I might have been a bit defensive last week during a press interview when I was asked about President Carter and his passing after 100 years. The reporter meant well, but asked me if I thought President Carter was the worst president in history. I don’t think they expected my answer.

The truth is simple – we all disagree on some things, but others are uniform. Ultimately, we can reflect on President Carter’s policies and debate them forever, but one thing is never in question – His character and his ability to lead. Like the policies or not, you must love the man and his heart.

As we prepare this week for the release of Here Come the Girls, we are looking at the future of leadership and the dynamic shift that is coming when women take over in 2028. Yet, as I have said countless times, the secret from Here Come the Girls is that the elite leadership style of women is not a “girl thing, it is just something girls do.” True leadership reflects sympathy, empathy, and meeting people where they are. It is about engaging people so they feel seen, heard, and understood. It’s about valuing people so they become empowered to be their best. Reflecting on the life of Georgia’s finest, I realize I could have easily written Here Come the Girls and called it “The Secrets of the Highest Character: President Jimmy Carter.”

As I look back on President Carter’s legacy and tie it back to our recent study, the following lessons stand out as he is above it all. As time passes, history will favor President Carter’s policies and will always celebrate his leadership and character.

Jimmy Carter's life and legacy offer profound insights into empathic leadership. Here are the top 5 lessons we can learn from his example:

?1. Understand and Respect Different Perspectives

Carter's ability to mediate between opposing sides, as demonstrated during the Camp David Accords in 1978, showcases the importance of understanding different viewpoints. He emphasized the need to respect those with differing opinions, stating, "You can't be arrogant. You've got to give the people with whom you're contending your understanding—not your agreement but your understanding".

?2. Prioritize Long-Term Goals Over Short-Term Gains

?In his diplomatic efforts, Carter helped leaders shift their focus from immediate political gains to long-term peace. This approach highlights the importance of visionary thinking and prioritizing lasting impact over temporary advantages.

3. Lead with Integrity and Honesty

Carter's commitment to truthfulness, even at personal cost, exemplifies the value of integrity in leadership. He famously declared, "I will never lie to you" during his presidential campaign. This unwavering honesty earned him enduring respect and trust.

4. Serve Others with Humility

Carter's post-presidency work, including his efforts with Habitat for Humanity and teaching Sunday school, demonstrates the power of servant leadership. His hands-on approach to improving lives shows that true leadership is about lifting others and serving with humility.

5. Cultivate Empathy and Compassion

Carter remained acutely aware of others' needs and suffering throughout his life. He wrote, "Understanding the needs and suffering of others is a vital element for successful leadership." This empathetic approach guided his humanitarian efforts and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

By embodying these principles, Jimmy Carter left a lasting impact on the world and provided a timeless model of empathic leadership that continues to inspire leaders across all sectors.

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Cheers to you, President Carter – Thanks for the memories, the life, and the lessons. Eternity is a better place because of you.

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Don

Donald W. Barden, Ph.D.

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