Peggy Noonan’s Declarations column in the Wall Street Journal stays pretty political, but yesterday (6/21-22/2008) she tackled the sadness felt at the death of American television journalist, Tim Russert. While the media coverage on Tim Russert was extensive, the messages were also extremely consistent.
For four days, we were told how to live a well-lived life, the kind of life apparently Russert lived:
1. Take care of those you love and let them know they’re loved
2. Honor your profession by trying to do honorable work
3. Hold firm to your ethics
4. Be normal no matter what levels of accomplishment you achieve
5. Be self-disciplined
6. Find some guts
We know people will talk about us after we depart this life. Tim Russert apparently stuck out of the pack in a city like Washington in a fiercely competitive profession of large egos and back stabbing. What will people in your profession say about you when you die? Sure your family is going to say nice things, but what will your customers say? Will the people who come into your shop deliver your eulogy?
At a colleague’s funeral several years ago, Mike Harreld, CFO of Southern Company, delivered her eulogy. He was a client of Susan Wise, leadership expert and coach, for twenty years. Susan, like Tim, died early.
I like to think I do really really good work and take great pride in the feedback from clients that tell me that’s just what I do. Probably a couple of colleagues might drop everything to come say some nice things about me when I depart this world. But to be honest, when I sat at Susan’s funeral service I was trying to think of just how many how many CEO’s, CFO’s or senior VP’s would scoot in on their little corporate jets to deliver my eulogy. (I came up with one very slight possibility…but he’s a really busy guy.)
The experience prompted me to take a look at my work and business, double checking that I am, indeed, -in every personal and professional transaction- doing my utmost to do honor to my work. I also made certain I was taking in the beauty of everyday and hugging those I love a little more often. That was a couple of years ago. Last week, after I read my WSJ I double checked again.
Noonan stated that so often man needs more to be “reminded than instructed.” So this is your reminder. Live your life well.
2 Responses (add yours)
I watched the news programs that honored Tim Russert and the thing that was so moving for me was how his co-workers knew he valued family as much as he did. While not in the “traditional” workplace, I am encouraged that when I am gone my co-worker (Randy) and my dear friends will know without a doubt that I loved them all and hopefully will feel that I lived a well-lived life as well.
Lisa, you and your co-worker ARE living a well-lived life. Keep it up. You deserve a sabbatical! Thanks for commenting.