An Open Letter on "Leadership."

Art,

I was in a corporate leadership training this week. In one of the sessions our instructor asked us to write down some things about a leader who most influenced us and why. I hesitated for the better part of a second, and then started writing about you. Although it has been almost a decade since we worked together there really isn’t anyone who was as remarkable as you.

The task was to write down the characteristics of a good leader – Boom: This was easy and fun.

You were patient – I can’t remember you ever losing your cool or even raising your voice.

You cared – About me, my future, my family and the well-being of the team.

You knew how to make us laugh – Your brand of self-deprecating humor spun with a Louisiana drawl and a fine command of obscure idioms always held me captive. Please know that your good humor now commands the smiles of my children and will no doubt be enjoyed by any grandchildren that join our tribe.

You covered for me – When I made a mistake you had my back, in an instant. You never mentioned it, or asked for anything in return. Most importantly, you did it with a grace and skill that I have never seen since.

You were a consummate professional and a true servant leader – You never asked anyone to do anything that you wouldn’t do yourself, in the rain, after hours, or against the odds.

You were honest, sincere, and nurturing – You were direct with me but it never hurt, you were honest with me and it always helped. You shared personal stories because (I think) you knew you were human and imperfect and you wanted to help others avoid the pitfalls of hard work that cost so many eager volunteers their marriages, their children's affection and their own ability to stay the course on the sometimes razor thin line that divides the good choices from the bad.

You gave me one of the last hours of your life – and I thank you, and I especially thank you Theresa. Rest assured there are so many of us who will never close the book on Art’s life.

They want us to be story tellers now, it is all the rage in business education. I hope that one day I will tell a story, that it will mention sacrifice, hard work and some small victory. Most importantly, I hope it will make you smile.

All the best Art. I am one of many who miss you terribly.

LLTB,

/David