Communicators are essential in all organizations. Internal and external communications benefit from the expert input from skilled communications professionals. Communicators have the important task of ensuring all communications from their organization are crafted to perfection. While communicators are often skilled in their trade regardless of their organizations size, there is one office in the nation that is revered as the premium communications position.
Born of humble Illinois roots and establishing an early career in the political field, James Brady is known for more than his communications skillset. In 1981, James Brady, was given the role of White House Press Secretary by newly elected President Ronald Reagan. Brady was young at the time but had established a reputation as selfless public servant. The former press secretary was known for quick wit and sarcasm in his early days in the White House.
Brady’s story takes an unfortunate turn just two months into his role as White House Press Secretary. In March 1981, President Reagan and Mr. Brady were leaving a meeting when they were surrounded by bullets from the gun of mentally ill John Hinckley Jr. The bullets hit both the President and Mr. Brady. The shooting left Mr. Brady with permanent brain damage, and his time as the acting white House Press Secretary was compete in less than two months.
Mr. Brady’s work in the White House was not complete after the shooting. While his role and daily schedule had changed drastically, Mr. Brady had a new mission to pursue – rational gun control. Mr. Brady has a platform more powerful than ever before, and he was determined to accomplish legislative action. Working closely with his wife Sarah, the Brady’s successfully campaigned for the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. The law was passed by the legislature. Mr. Brady continued to fight for gun control until his death in 2004. Upon his passing, the cause was determined to be homicide – a result from the injuries of the 1981 shooting.
As a communicator, what lesson can be learned from former White House Press Secretary James Brady? Arguably the most critical lesson from Brady’s life is to never give up. Brady refused to settle for the effects of his brain damage – instead choosing to fight each day for the cause he believed in. Communicators should also value the importance of a strong legacy. Brady had established a reputation of professionalism and kindness and was known as a passionate contributor to the White House long after his career ended.
While it is impossible to know what the future holds, lessons from the past can guide on how to respond to the future. Brady’s legacy of integrity lasts long after his impact as press secretary. While he has legislation and a room at the White House named after him, both of those great honors pale in comparison to the greatest legacy of all – knowing a problem exists and choosing to respond to that problem.
As communications continues to evolve in the modern digital age, keep the lessons of Mr. Brady top of mind. Always pursue truth and never stop fighting for the things you believe in.
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