Jimmy Carter: America's servant leader

Carter speaks tonight

Jimmy Carter is scheduled to speak tonight at 7 at Town Hall, Eighth and Seneca, Seattle. The event is sponsored by the Progess Project of the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington. Admission is free. -------------------------

THE most successful ex-president in history." This phrase is not only a famous description of Jimmy Carter, it tells us a lot about his style of leadership.

Carter offers lessons in leadership not because he wields political power, forges interest-group coalitions, applies military force or spellbinds the nation with rhetoric on behalf of sweeping policy initiatives. Instead, Carter leads by the power of his example.

In the short term we are impressed by strong political leadership, yet, in the longer term, it is moral leadership that has staying power. The reputations of Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela seem destined to grow over time while those of political power brokers fade.

The most revered American president, Abraham Lincoln, is remembered precisely because of his deep concern for the moral dimension of political power. Our most respected ex-president, Jimmy Carter, was criticized during his term of office for bringing moral issues to the fore. Why has he been so successful since the presidency?

One possible answer is that a President Carter talking about energy policy from the Oval Office could be charged with preaching to us. But ex-President Carter working on Habitat for Humanity is teaching us by the power of example.

Carter has made the hammer rather than the golf club the tool we most want to see in the hand of a former chief executive. He reminds us that holding high office is more than simply the ticket to a lifetime of privilege. It creates the opportunity to serve the rest of one's life with enhanced impact. Indeed, Carter is an unsurpassed example of the servant leader.

The Carter Center in Atlanta reflects Carter's orientation. In a physical setting of peace and harmony, it bustles with activity. The Carter Center takes its place along with the Martin Luther King Jr. Center (also in Atlanta) as a place where one can literally feel the commitment to a higher moral order and a better world.

Carter's human qualities are reflected not only in his activities but in his relationships. No first lady in our history has ever taken the lead with such grace on so many important subjects as has Rosalynn Carter. This was made possible by the respect shared by her and the president.

In a world where power is often equated with force, Jimmy Carter reminds us that what endures is the power of example.

Glenn Pascall of Seattle frequently writes about economic issues in the Puget Sound region.