The Godfather of Soul and the Accidental President may not have had much in common, but both will be remembered for their unique contribution to pop culture and leadership. Can you say the same?
Legacies have a way of separating the truly thoughtful leader from the not so thoughtful. Lasting, living and otherwise. How we're remembered is always impacted by what we're doing in the present -- even when the outcome is not entirely clear.
Here's an excerpt from Gerald Ford's strongest political foe turned world ambassador, former President Jimmy Carter: "An outstanding statesman, he wisely chose the path of healing during a deeply divisive time in our nation's history...One of the most admirable public servants and human beings I've ever known."
That may be an understatement. Ford will be most recalled not for falling down the stairs, which he did, but for pardoning Richard Nixon, which closed the final chapter of Watergate or so it seemed at the time.
During the same era, James Brown, who died on Christmas Day, was lighting it up as a soul and funk singer. His greatest legacy may best be summarized through the song lyric, "I Feel Good." Or Get up...Get on Up."
Get on Up, indeed. Leaders everywhere should heed this call and determine what they want their legacy to be -- preferably before it's handed to them.
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