Page 48 - Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders
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GREAT COMMUNICATION SECRETS OF GREAT LEADERS
helping to coordinate, command, and commandeer state and federal
assistance.
Be seen as the leader. Get out of the bunker. Let people know what
you are doing. In the wake of September 11, Giuliani was every-
where; he used his public persona to console, grieve with, and
inspire his ravaged city.
Elevate the status of sacrifice. Give meaning to the sacrifice of
others. Giuliani repeatedly cited the heroism of the New York
City firefighters who, as the Towers were crumbling, went in as
others were coming out.
Show the human side. Do not be afraid to show emotion. We wit-
nessed Giuliani shedding tears as well as embracing the widows
and orphans of victims lost in the Towers’collapse.
Give in to levity. It’s okay to laugh in the face of tragedy; it is an
appropriate human response. Giuliani’s appearance on Saturday
Night Life sanctioned the right to laugh, to experience joy once
again.
Live your message. Giuliani symbolized the spirit of the people of
New York. His emotions were their emotions; his actions were
their actions; his humanity was their humanity.