JFK 60 Years Later: Five Key Lessons on Leadership for Gen Z (Part 1)
Honoring the life and legacy of President Kennedy six decades after his assassination…
Next week marks 60 years to the day when one of America’s most beloved and inspirational leaders was gunned down in cold blood during a trip to Texas as a stunned nation mourned.
Schools and businesses closed early, and some people wept in the street upon hearing the grim news.
On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy (JFK) was traveling in an open-air motorcade through the streets of downtown Dallas as adoring citizens from all walks of life lined the sidewalks to catch a glimpse.
Then the sound of three gunshots rang out as the presidential motorcade meandered through Dealey Plaza.
President Kenndy was shot in the head and later died at the hospital. The announcement was made live on air by iconic CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite, who cut into regular programming — a rare occurrence in those days.
The nation was collectively shocked, saddened, and shaken by the assassination of JFK, which left deep scars in the hearts and minds of America’s collective conscience.
John F. Kennedy remains one of the most beloved and popular presidents in U.S. history — and for good reason.
This is because, in large part, of his bold vision and legacy of leadership, which positively shaped our country during a turbulent period, which included:
- The Cold War and “Space Race” with the Soviet Union.
- The construction of the Berlin Wall dividing Germany into East and West.
- The “Bay of Pigs” invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- The escalation of the Vietnam War.
- The civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As families gather next week for the Thanksgiving holiday, we should also reflect on the life and legacy of the 35th American president, who died one day earlier, 60 years ago.
Today’s young people can learn many critically important lessons from JFK’s presidency. These lessons of history should be taught by older generations who lived through it, to benefit a new generation of leadership, Gen Z (the age cohort born between 1997 and 2012).
Following are five examples of leadership set by JFK, which today’s teens and 20-somethings can learn from as they navigate the fast-evolving high-tech Information Age:
- Formulating and effectively communicating a bold vision,
- Fostering innovative thinking and new technology,
- Taking risks to advance a cause greater than oneself,
- Following one’s moral compass despite public opinion, and
- Advancing equal opportunity in the workplace and beyond.
JFK’s bold actions resulted in landmark accomplishments which altered the course of America and changed world history.
Revisiting JFK’s Relevance
By way of background, John F. Kennedy was the youngest American President ever elected, at age 43. He was also the youngest president ever to die in office, at age 46.
JFK accomplished so much in such a short time while leading America. Thus, it’s no wonder his memory is still honored more than half a century later.
Most Baby Boomers and their predecessors can tell you exactly where they were upon hearing the grim news of JFK’s tragic death — just as members of my generation (Gen X) can vividly recall where we were on the tragic day of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
JFK remains relevant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, his bold vision and vital leadership during the challenging times of the early 1960s.
Final Thoughts
We can all take a cue from President Kennedy’s lasting legacy. He helped change the moral fabric of society by bringing out the best in people at a time when the country needed it.
JFK transcended the times by leading ordinary citizens to dream of what was once unimaginable and to achieve what was once thought impossible. He restored pride in America at home and exerted strong leadership abroad.
This limited series will examine the aforementioned five leadership lessons of JFK within the context of two impactful events that helped shape and solidify his legacy: The “Space Race” with the Soviet Union and the civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
JFK called space the “new ocean” and said, “I believe the United States must sail on it and be in a position second to none.”
The young American president made these remarks on the South Lawn of the White House in the wake of astronaut John Glenn’s milestone flight orbiting Earth in February 1962.
Please stay tuned for the next installment (below) examining the historic moon landing in 1969 and how JFK’s bold vision and leadership proved instrumental in laying that groundwork.
You should consider sharing this series with members of Generation Z, who can benefit the most as they enter their next stages of life.