Eunice Kennedy Shriver: The “You” Factor

The recent death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver has gained news coverage and earned tribute worthy of her life. Always known as the sister of President John Kennedy and never as famous as the Kennedy men, she perhaps leaves the most lasting legacy. Founder of Special Olympics and champion of a group of citizens once scorned, she made a permanent difference in the lives of the intellectually disabled and developmentally challenged.

The speech she gave at the 1987 Special Olympics World Games in South Bend, Indiana, sums up her life and legacy. It also provides a platform for employers to inspire their employees to achieve bigger and better things. At a time when it seems everyone is looking for personal credit, Eunice Kennedy Shriver was determined to give credit to a group of citizens who had never sought or received it.

“The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it. The right to study in any school? You have earned it. The right to be anyone’s neighbor? You have earned it.”

What employees want from their leaders is a little of the “you” factor. You earned it. You did it. You made it. You deserve it. If leaders will talk about “you” to their employees, they will overcome challenges and accomplish things never considered possible.