An article in the Wall Street Journal this week talked about the dignity of B. Joseph White, the former interim President of the University of Michigan and former Dean of the U of M Business School. Perhaps because my degrees are from the university, the article caught my attention. It was a study in how one leaves and moves on with dignity and grace.
When a different individual was appointed President, White publicly expressed his sorrow at not being selected as he had been a finalist for the position. At a dinner celebrating his interim leadership, an uncomfortable crowd ended up giving him a standing ovation, after he again expressed his sorrow yet his commitment to move on to something equally as wonderful. (He did, becoming the managing director of Fred Alger Management, Inc.)
The lesson here is that when you are disappointed, the public expression of disappointment can be cathartic. Everyone knows you are disappointed and the admission can create comfort for all. This is a lot better than the usual mealy-mouthed protestations about not wanting it that badly, or the "I'm sure Mary will do a wonderful job," comments that people generally make.
Facing the reality helps the disappointed person move on and his or her supporters and friends know how to act. Joe White sounds like a first class kind of guy.
If you subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, the Tuesday, May 27 link is: Late-Career Setback.
Warmly,
Susan
3:59:37 PM
Moving on With Class and Dignity 
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