4 and a Half Decades of Leadership → 4 Lessons From Sen. Ted Kennedy’s Legacy
{1} Sticking to Your Principles and Beliefs Is Important. Constant Evaluation of Your Beliefs and Consideration for Others’ Is Even More Important.
He may not have invented the word compromise, but Sen. Edward M, Kennedy certainly perfected it. Reaching across party lines to work WITH Republicans, he has helped create some of the most significant legislation this nation has seen in the last half century. Despite regular criticism from his own party, Kennedy learned long ago that compromising on the issues doesn’t have to mean compromising yourself.
{2} Tragedy Does Not Mean “Defeated.”
The number of Sen. Kennedy’s triumphs is numerous, and sadly his tragedies number just as many — the shocking deaths of two brothers, a car wreck that included a dead female staff member and a LOT of controversy, a failed attempt at the 1980 Democratic Presidential Nomination and many more character building trials. And, all had to be faced in the public eye.
For a family America subconsciously associates with tragedy, Edward M. Kennedy has been the face of strength, the patriarch who carried his family through their most trying times. Even as the one with a malignant brain tumor this time around, he seems to be taking on that very same role - rallying the troops through another one of life’s hard lessons.
{3} Nurturing Your Relationships - Family, Friends, Colleagues - Is the Most Important, and Most Honorable Investment You Can Make in This Life.
One thing in particular has stood out while watching all the media coverage on Sen Kennedy in the last 24 hours: the genuine respect, honor and affection that Sen. Kennedy’s colleagues have for him.
My thoughts, and my humble prayers are with Senator Kennedy, my dear friend Ted, with his wife Vicki, and with the members of the Kennedy family. I hope and pray that an all-caring, omnipotent God will watch over Ted, and keep Ted here for us and for America. Ted, I love you, and I miss you.
He’s not just the patriarch of the Kennedy family. He’s the patriarch of our family.
He has the time, the patience, and the talent to argue his case, and sometimes not so quietly. You can have a very vigorous exchange, and two minutes later he’ll be slapping you on the back.
…it’s our job now to support him in the way that he has supported us for so many years. He’s not just a great senator, he is a great friend. He is beloved by me, and beloved by my colleagues.
{4} You Don’t Have to Be Top Dog to Make an Impact and Initiate Positive Change.
Sen. Kennedy’s failure to secure his spot as the 1980 Democratic Presidential Nominee was a personal loss, but one of the greatest gains the citizens of this country have received. I guarantee Kennedy’s hand played a significant role in at least one, if not many, pieces of legislation that you depend on.
Just to name a few…
- Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA
- Fair Housing Act Amendments (FHSAA)
- National Military Child Care Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Family Opportunity Act
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