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3131 US-41, FORSYTH, GA 31029 • 478.808.0513 • FALL IS THE BEST TIME TO PLANT PERENNIALS Complimentary landscaping consultations Open Mon-Fri 10-5 p.m. Sat 9-5 p.m. • Closed Sun Business and residential container planting service available Milledgeville, but it was his experience with the Peyton Anderson Foundation that helped fund and further his passion for service to others. Jackson first became aware of Jordan in 2012 when he was getting ready to go to college and earned a Peyton Anderson Scholarship. "She had a very bright smile and a warm presence," Jackson said. "To be a young scholar, to be in her presence was rewarding." Recalling Jordan's ability to connect with people, Godsey said, "She harnessed the power of relationships, the power of leading by relating, the ability to connect with someone heart-to-heart." at didn't mean she would give up easily if the connection didn't yield the results she wanted. "If she latched onto an idea, if it was clear in her head, it was tough to dislodge her from it," Godsey added. Lambert valued her mother's perseverance, and learned from her that leading means looking for the win-win. "For example, when you're putting together something like the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail to preserve important pieces of property, when there are opposing interests, find the win-win," Lambert said. e reality is that to find a win-win often means compromise, and compromise is difficult without trust. As Americans watch and choose sides in the upcoming elections, as they sit banished to their homes by a pandemic watching hours of television news featuring violence with words, fire and bullets, trust is obviously in short supply. Whatever your political persuasion, there's a yard sign or a family member nearby to remind you that you are right, or perhaps more frequently, that you are wrong. Leadership lesson number five suggests: 5. IT'S REALLY NOT ABOUT YOU. THAT'S A TOUGH ONE TO SWALLOW. It makes sense when studying larger-than- life influential figures in our history books, but those who knew Jordan said the reason she was so effective at creating monumental change in Macon is precisely because she held a powerful position of influence, and only thought to use it for the greater good. Godsey explained, "She had not a shred of interest in any fame or recognition that might come of her work." It's that lack of self-absorption that Robinson and Rogers recognized, too. Robinson put it simply: "She built trust, trust in her leadership." "I've seen other leaders accrue that kind of influence," Rogers said. "Other leaders would enrich themselves or absorb the praise for themselves, but there was never any doubt that people could have confidence in her, it was never about her." Juanita Jordan. From the stories of her proud and honorable service, to the parents who trusted her to carry their children safely to and from school on a big yellow bus, to the man who trusted her to invest his millions into the community he loved, and to those who worked with her — that unwavering trust was the result of repeated actions that clearly demonstrated her dedication to service above self. Jackson offered a concise explanation, "e greatest among you shall serve – and serve she did." Lambert, Godsey, Robinson and Rogers still give back to their community. eir efforts are inspired in part by the lessons of leadership Jordan modeled for them. Yet it may be Jackson, who spent less time with Jordan than the others, who most clearly illustrates how her profound influence will continue to move Macon forward for decades to come. "Mrs. Jordan was the walking example of loyalty ... especially what loyalty means to one's community. I just pray I am able to live up to that that example of loyalty as was Mrs. Jordan," he said. Mahatma Ghandhi once said, "A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." Certainly, Juanita Jordan altered the course of Macon's history, and it seems that her lessons in leadership will continue to make an impact, though she no longer walks among us. 46 maconmagazine.com