Servant Leadership

Rarely, do we get the opportunity to see up close true servant leadership. Over the past 27 years, I have seen that rare type of leadership exemplified by one of my clients, who has also become a good friend. I was fortunate enough to be a part of his retirement celebration to see the love and admiration for this man who had spent 40 years at one organization, most of them as CEO. I was also deeply humbled when asked to say a few words.

In my brief remarks, I borrowed from my son’s homily that he gave to graduating seniors at Boston Trinity because I felt that my friend, as much as anyone I know, lived the life that the great Christian writer Paul set out for all of us to live. My remarks follow:

 
 
First of all, I am truly honored to have a chance to say a few words about Ken Partin. During our more than 25-year professional relationship, we have broken bread together in many places. And during some of these professional get-togethers, we have hiked, played golf, and even played basketball together. 
  
But more importantly, Ken and I have developed a deep friendship. And like Ken and Peggy, Elizabeth and I have three children, but instead of three girls, we have three boys. Ken would tell me daughter stories and I would tell him son stories which made each of us feel like we knew each other’s kids growing up. I also know that Ken has a North Star, and her name is Peggy. And I know that Ken cares deeply about others.  He will almost always start a conversation with “How are you doing?” and as my wife says, he really wants to know.
  
 There is a passage in the first book of Timothy in Chapter six where Paul gives an unmistakable mandate.  “Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” Ken, as long as I have known you, you have exhibited these six traits as much as anyone I know.  
  
 You pursue Righteousness. You speak truth and hold yourself and others accountable while being merciful.
 You pursue Godliness. You see the presence of God in everything around you and you live a life of celebration.
 You pursue Faith. In your belief, you question, but not with a cynical mind, but with a curious heart. 
 You pursue Love. You build relationships of generosity and patience, and love not to receive, but to give. 
 You pursue Perseverance. You embrace hardships as an opportunity for growth and discovery.  And I have seen you do this first-hand. 
 And finally, you pursue Gentleness. You are mindful and respectful of others’ experiences, thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams. You really want to know when you ask someone how they are doing.
  
 I would like to share a quick story that involves Ken, Allen, and a former board chairman - Dick Wood.  It is 2003 and for six months, as Givens investment banker, I had been preparing the organization for a $110 million tax-exempt bond offering, which would be largest financing of its kind ever completed in the state of North Carolina.  The projects funded by this financing would transform Givens and launch the organization to what it has become today.  However, just before mailing the offering circular to investors, I left my investment banking firm, UBS Financial Services, to start a senior living practice at a new firm.  You never change firms at that point. But I was trying to convince Ken, Allen and their Board Chairman to do just that. 
  
 The three of them asked me some tough questions that day. At the end, Dick turned to Ken and Allen and said, “If John thinks BB&T is the best platform, then that is good enough for me.”  He looked at Ken and Allen for confirmation and the two of them without hesitation said they fully supported that decision.  And that deal launched our practice at our new firm.  
  
 Ken, I will never forget that moment and how you supported me during a very pivotal time.  And I am sure there are others in this room who could tell stories of how you have encouraged and supported them in a variety of different ways during critical points in their professional and personal lives. 
  
You have lived Paul’s mandate as a pursuer of Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Perseverance and Gentleness.  And I am sure you will continue to do so in the next chapter of your life.