I’ve just heard the most extraordinary speech in the form of a letter dictated by U.S. Senator John McCain before his death and read today by his long time aide, Rick Davis. The letter was honest and heartfelt; acknowledged reality while also being hopeful; was inclusive and reached out to his entire audience while managing to make you feel that he was talking directly to you.
What I want to point out about the letter is that it is full of ‘heart messages’. It talks of feelings and asks that people connect with those feelings. Heart messages are inspirational.
This final letter from John McCain is powerful because it is authentic to who we knew him to be. Regardless of politics, this letter spoke to a higher good and that will resonate with people everywhere. That’s big!
Here’s where you come in – I’m asking you to remember to always be authentic when presenting your ideas, sharing a vision, and building solutions. Authenticity is influential. It moves people. You don’t have to be on the world stage to use it either. It works in the boardroom, it works in team building, it works in all your relationships.
PS. I have to get political. I can’t resist. This letter and the legacy of John McCain will be the thorn in Donald Trump’s tiny paws for the rest of his public life. His childish behaviour will always be compared to McCain and that letter. Sad.