What I learned working for Bob Graham
I had the privilege of working for Sen. Bob Graham in his Washington, D.C., office. I started out as an intern in his press office and ultimately became one of two executive assistants. As a young, impressionable communications major, the lessons I learned firsthand from Bob Graham have remained with me for a lifetime. They are simple, but they are profound.
Respect everyone. He started his official “workdays” as a way to get to know Floridians on their own turf in their own environments, listening to their needs and concerns while he worked alongside them. What better way to prove to Floridians that he would work hard as our state’s governor? He worked as everything from being a pooper scooper at a horse auction, to bellhop at a hotel, to teaching a contemporary high-school government class, to the Tarpon Springs sponge exchange and everything in between.
Respecting everyone regardless of their political, professional or personal views garnered immense respect for Bob Graham. It didn’t matter what your political views, personal leanings or bank accounts were, he appreciated you for your unique gifts and it endeared you to him immediately.
Details matter. As I mentioned, I was one of his executive assistants. So, what did he put in those little notebooks he carried around with him everywhere? That’s not my story to tell. What I can tell you is they were full of details about what had happened that day and any follow-up actions to complete. Per his transcribed messages, I drafted many a letter thanking people for their personal contributions to the State of Florida, for a Boy or Girl Scout troop that visited his office, or a letter acknowledging a centennial birthday. I can only imagine the recipient’s face when they opened the letter and read his kind, authentic words. I know, because I even got one of his deeply personal notes upon moving back to Florida. It is a cherished treasure, especially now.
Be present. Whether you ran into him in the hallways of Dirksen Senate Office Building, had an official appointment with him or saw him at a function, he focused on you. It was as if you were the only person in the room. What you said was important to him.
Several friends mentioned meeting him briefly on different occasions and seeing him again many years later in different contexts. He still recalled their name and details from their initial meeting. Seeing this happen firsthand on numerous occasions, I am not sure who made more of an impression on the other — Sen. Graham or the person he was talking to! I’d say it was a draw.
Florida is a better place because of Bob Graham. I am a better person because of Bob Graham.
Isn’t that something we all should strive for — to leave the world a better place? Bob Graham was the master. He will be missed as a statesman and mentor, but most of all, as a dear friend.