Three Positive Powerful Words to Describe Former President Jimmy Carter

Yup. The death of our nation’s longest living President makes some of us feel blue. It is not as if at age 100, we thought he’d live forever. And when we saw him at his wife’s funeral, he wasn’t doing well. But, still, the reality of death hits a chord.

Carter was by all accounts, most especially in the many years after his presidency, a man who did good, who lived his values and who conducted his life with decency. This was a man who seemed to treat his fellow humans well – for decades.

I was struck by the three words Arianna Huffington used to describe Carter in her post on his death: Compassion. Wisdom. Grace.

How many leaders – past, present and future – would be described in life or in death as encompassing these three words? Surely, whatever one’s politics, we would not describe our soon to be inaugurated president this way. Compassionate? Nope. Wise? Nope. Filled with grace? Nope.

And we can go back to other living or deceased leaders in politics and business and education and healthcare. How many could and would carry these three words as descriptors, in life or in death?

Now to be sure, these are not the only three words that could be used to describe successful, beloved and appreciated leaders across the disciplines. We could consider words like: brilliant, effective, efficient, creative, decisive, bold, decent, fair, deliberate, determined, calm, poised, prescient, prepared. Sure, there are many types of leaders and many positives words that can be used to describe them.

Add to that that there are many words to describe a private and public life well lived when one has passed the leadership torch. For Carter, that encompassed decades. And yes, early deaths get their own descriptors.

Ponder some of the positive words for our leaders in any field.

For me, the three words chosen by Arianna Huffington, and other similar words that will fill our news and social media over the next few days, have value. These are prized values that we’d like to see in all humans.

Sadly, each of these words is rare enough standing alone. Few people would fit the trifecta. Jimmy Carter did for sure. And there are other such individuals each of us can name. There are also good words to ponder as we move into a New Year and make resolutions.

Try these possible resolutions, all inspired by Carter: in the coming year, resolve to demonstrate compassion (in words and deeds) for those in need; share wisdom (at work and relationally) at every turn, and showcase grace (in one’s behavior toward others and in challenging moments) wherever possible. Not bad resolutions, eh what?

These are better resolutions than: lose weight, travel more and earn more money, all of which have merit. And unlike resolutions like seeking peace and good health across our planet, the proposed resolutions are actually doable or at least aspirationally possible.

PS. Katie Couric just described Carter as having “an enduring moral vision.” What a powerful description… how many leaders not only have that in name but live that through their deeds? This is not about religious obedience; this is a moral coda that is lived day-in-and-day-out.