Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Greg Downes, Chairman Emeritus at Gibson. We hope you enjoy Greg’s wisdom and perspective.
Recently I’ve been thinking about some memorable advice from an old and dear friend of mine, former Indiana Governor and Lt. Governor, and former South Bend Mayor, Joseph E. Kernan. I have always looked up to and respected him for many reasons, not the least of which is his leadership. The advice came in May 1998, when Joe, then the Lt. Governor, delivered the Commencement Address at the University of Notre Dame.
There was somewhat of a hue and cry about University President Fr. Monk Malloy even inviting Joe to speak. As I recall, there were some students and perhaps even some faculty that didn't think Joe was "important enough of a figure" or perhaps that he just didn't have a "high enough profile" to speak at such an august occasion.
Well thank goodness Fr. Malloy didn't cave in to the criticism, sticking to his invitation for Joe to speak. And, of course, Joe didn't disappoint, delivering what many in the crowd felt was a truly great speech, one I still feel was the best live speech I have ever heard. (Click here to read a transcript.)
In true Joe Kernan style, he was funny, candid, self-deprecating, and, most of all, thought provoking. He gave terrific advice and counsel, with quips like..."don't cut in line or talk at a movie..." and "let people get off the elevator before you get on..." and "wear sunscreen, floss, and stay in shape..."
My favorite line was "...do what you say you are going to do and do it when you said you would do it..."
But, the best advice he gave to the graduates was "Treat everybody – everybody – with dignity and respect."
Joe would go on to speak of the Holocaust, his visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau, and reconciling that with his own captivity as a POW during the Vietnam War. He quoted Elie Wiesel, who said "Those who kept silent yesterday will keep silent tomorrow."
He concluded by telling the graduates he would never be silent again. And he hasn't been. He trusted that neither would they. Powerful words, and, as Joe said, "not so easy. You can't always pick your spot, and it's real uncomfortable to confront."
So, what does this have to do with leadership? In my opinion, everything. Leaders have a responsibility to "treat everybody with respect and dignity" and to "never be silent ever again."
Though this might sound like commentary on the political environment, it’s bigger than that. It’s about leaders speaking up because it’s the right thing to do. And because it’s a leader’s duty to serve as an example for others.
Most of us know what to do. We just don't always do it. We know what needs to be said but are unable to summon the courage to stand tall and speak up.
What’s The Risk?
The risk of staying silent goes back to what Joe said that day in 1998. After all, dignity and respect are the foundation of trust between people, between leaders and followers. Standing on the sidelines while trust erodes is the beginning of the end. The remedy to offset this is active engagement, a healthy dose of empathy, and doing the right thing. It’s time to speak up!
This content was written and shared by guest blogger, Greg Downes
Greg is Chairman Emeritus at Gibson. After teaching school for three years in South Bend, Greg joined Travelers Insurance Company in 1973, where he received extensive training as an underwriter in all phases of property and liability insurance. He was assistant manager of the commercial lines department in South Bend, and subsequently joined Gibson in 1980. He worked as President and Chief Executive Officer for many years before becoming Chairman of the Board. He is now Chairman Emeritus.
