The AARP magazine (that’s the one for those of us who have made more than a few laps around the calendar) recently published a story written by the wonderful actor Kevin Spacey.
I am a Spacey fan and have been ever since I saw him in “Glengarry Glen Ross” and in his much too underrated movie, “The Usual Suspects.” Of course, he has added an Oscar to his resume for “American Beauty,” as well as loud applause for a number of other outstanding performances.
But, this is not about his acting. I was attracted to his article originally because of this pullout quote, something Jack Lemmon used to tell him, “If you have done well, it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down.”
Your responsibility to send the elevator back down. Wow!
What a magnificent way to say that we have a responsibility to give of ourselves, to share what we have learned with those who come after us, to leave what we do in better shape for the next generation.
Spacey wrote this about Lemmon, one of his longtime mentors and friends: “He taught me that one of the most satisfying things in the world is helping others learn to do their work. I just think it’s important. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.
“People like Jack gave me chances and opportunities when I was starting out, and I think it is important to pass on the good fortune that’s come to you and you’re putting it to use. It’s a very rich idea.”
I often think about the people who gave me chances when I was young and raw and much too sure of myself. They, and a lot of others who followed in the years to come, took a chance on me. For that, there is a permanent place in my hall of memories for them.
It’s why when I was able to start hiring people I wasn’t as much interested in how many years of experience applicants had, but rather what that they had in their heads and hearts. What you could see in them that they often couldn’t see in themselves. Those are the credentials that should count most of all. Not whether or not you have had five years in a newsroom.
And, like Spacey, my many mentors taught me a lesson I have never forgotten: When you have a chance to reach down and help, never hesitate to do so.
Journalism has given me opportunities that I never dared dream would exist for a kid from small town Mississippi. It has provided a choice seat on the curb as history paraded by these many years. And I never had to surrender any of the values and principles and sacred trusts that we hold dear to gain that seat.
Unfortunately, as a friend said recently, we are living in a world where it seems we don’t care about “we” anymore; we live in a world in which too many people don’t want to give back.
As leaders, men and women who have achieved success in journalism, you not only have a responsibility to give back, you have an obligation to do so.
You owe it your pledge to be involved in its struggles, and there are many now and more to come, so that you can help preserve what you do. You owe your pledge to keep a seamless connection with those who started long ago and cared for and loved and nurtured this craft we share. You owe it your pledge that you will help maintain a culture of excellence in everything you do, never chipping away at that culture simply to gain readership or ratings.
You are today’s stewards and strong stewardship requires, in fact, I would say it demands that you send the elevator back down.
Now that’s a legacy to dream about. And strive to achieve.
