Servant leaders focus on the growth, well-being, and empowerment of individuals and communities rather than the accumulation of power or control. While I constantly strive to fulfill the responsibilities of this leadership philosophy, our 39th president, Jimmy Carter, defined it with his life.
James Earl Carter entered politics in 1962 when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. A short 14 years later, he became our 39th president.
The memory of his presidency is often tainted by events and circumstances for which his administration struggled to find appropriate solutions. The oil embargo, Iran hostage crisis, and crippling stagflation compounded his troubles and contributed to his landslide defeat in 1980.
Often overlooked are Carter’s landmark achievements in office such as the 1978 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel and his work to advance civil rights nationally and human rights internationally. What's truly forgotten about his presidency, however, is the mess he inherited after our country exited the Vietnam War in 1973 as well as the controversy surrounding former President Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal.
However, Carter's life legacy was arguably written after he exited office. In 1982, he and his wife Rosalynn founded The Carter Center. The center has addressed some of the world's most pressing issues, including disease eradication, international election monitoring, and conflict resolution. 1 of its more notable achievements is the near eradication of Guinea worm disease, a debilitating parasitic infection that at 1 time impacted more than 3.5 million lives annually.
He also became a prominent volunteer and advocate for Habitat for Humanity, helping build and repair homes for low-income families worldwide. His truly "hands-on" work brought significant attention to affordable housing issues across the globe.
In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”
When Carter left the White House in January 1981, he was deeply in debt and unemployed. Many assumed his public life had reached its conclusion. Instead, he began a remarkable second chapter.
His post-presidency has been characterized by humility, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Whether through his work with The Carter Center, Habitat for Humanity, or his advocacy for global health, he has consistently placed the needs of others above personal gain.
I believe our world has lost 1 of its great servant leaders. Instead of fading into the background, Carter chose to use his position in society to help those less fortunate as well as promote peace and prosperity around the world.
President Carter passed away on December 29. He leaves behind a complicated legacy— 1 from which we may undoubtedly still glean lessons through his dedication to serving others.