What kind of legacy do inclusive leaders want on the world before demise? Will it include founding an organization to promote peace or a Nobel Peace Prize for your commitment to Human Rights? Sounds rather lofty. Well, this is the legacy of the late 39th President Jimmy Carter. President Carter’s leadership style inspires many, and his passing has prompted reflection on leadership styles and legacies across the globe.
President Joe Biden honored the late President Jimmy Carter by invoking a National Day of Mourning and a tribute to be in effect for 30 days from his death where the United States flag hanging at half-staff. President Biden’s proclamation and actions highlight the character, legacy, and impact over his century of life and, more specifically, his Presidency. His powerful messages and actions remain as we say goodbye to the oldest living President. His use of power to ensure representation in leadership, his endorsement of initiatives to promote inclusion, and the role modeling of leadership excellence make him this week’s inclusion hero. This article will examine Carter’s inclusive leadership through his advocacy for human rights, his appreciation for the benefits of diversity, and his global focus on marginalized communities.
An Up-Close Look At Actions And Behaviors Of An Inclusive Leader
When we think of inclusive leadership, we think of leaders who successfully bring people of varied backgrounds together to achieve goals. Inclusive Leaders also foster belonging and advocate for greater inclusion. Looking back at Jimmy Carter’s legacy, there’s no doubt he is an inclusive leader who leaves behind many lessons we can all learn from.
Be An Advocate for Inclusion
The following examples outline ways in which the late President Carter advocated for more inclusion globally.
- Records show that he supported the Equal Rights Amendment during his Presidency by approving an extension to gain greater ratification. A Rutgers study examined Carter’s promise while running for the presidential office, stating, “I will appoint qualified women early in my administration and in substantial numbers. They will not be in a few token positions at the top of my administration but in jobs of importance throughout the government.” And that he did. The Carter administration appointed 21% of women to his Cabinet, an upshift compared to other presidents during that timeframe.
- Carter was a man of action and commitment to the causes he deeply believed in. For example, in 1982, Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded The Carter Center to promote peace globally and advance human rights. Among the list of significant accomplishments of the organization are “strengthening international standards for human rights” and providing conflict resolution expertise to support peace.
- Carter was integral in passing legislation supporting minority-owned businesses. One example of this is advocating for a 10% set-aside in contracts to minority-owned firms.
President Jimmy Carter once said, “We are, of course, a nation of differences. Those differences don’t make us weak. They’re the source of our strength.” These words of wisdom ring true as we navigate today’s landscape, which demonstrates challenges around the need for inclusion. Let us all learn from our inclusion hero as we take a brief glimpse into the legacy and impact of President Carter’s life. Despite challenges, he provided examples of the power of inclusion, and we will fare well if we decide to take forward his inclusive leadership lessons.