This holiday season America paid tribute to Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States, who died December 26, 2006. His was a remarkable career of public service. He was a high achiever in college, in football, law school, the military, the House of Representatives and the executive branch of our government, Vice President and President.

What is most remarkable to me is how effectively he achieved trust and respect from those who knew him best. It is also interesting that the public at large did not vote for him when he ran for president ostensibly because he pardoned Nixon. Historians are now saying it clearly was the right thing to do. The pardon began the healing process for the nation. He understood that was most important.

He had empathy for the people of the land. His decision to pardon Nixon provided resolution. A good leadership decision by Mr. Ford.

As you implement your New Year’s Resolutions I would encourage you to model your behavior after men like Gerald Ford. He was focused on the big picture and he put the people’s needs ahead of his own. This is why all those eulogizing Gerald Ford are reflecting on his significance and not his successes. What will people say about you?