How A Homemaker Became An Inspiring Leader And Social Justice Advocate
Of all the leaders I've met in my career, Eleanor Josaitis stands out as one of the most inspirational.
In 1967, after the Detroit riots, the homemaker of five co-founded with Father William Cunningham the social services agency, Focus: Hope. When many whites were fleeing the city, Eleanor and Father Callahan were building bridges between white and black. And while many social service agencies formed at the time have disappeared, Focus: Hope has stood the test of time. And one major reason why is Eleanor.
Eleanor, who died this month, was the glue that held the organization together. Her unwavering commitment to social justice burned as brightly in her later years as it did when she co-founded the organization. While Cunningham was the "outside man" who mobilized the community, it was Josaitis who managed things from the inside. When he died 15 years ago, she assumed both roles, and from her, we can learn something about what it takes to lead.
Know your mission. In its four decades of existence Focus: Hope experienced a number of changes but its principle focus on civil and human rights of individuals never changes. Of late Focus: Hope has served as a job training facility as well as a social outreach agency for the poor and disadvantaged of Detroit. Focus: Hope was never about handouts; it was about helping hands. The agency seeks to prepare as Eleanor said countless times to get into the mainstream as a means for providing for themselves and their families.
Reach out. Eleanor was never shy about get the word out about Focus: Hope. Politicians such as Bill Clinton as well as corporate executives, and notables such as Colin Powell, praised the work she did. And Eleanor turned that buzz into donations but also commitments. She had a knack for getting the high and mighty not simply to open their checkbooks but also to devote their time.
Keep teaching. One of her favorite things was meeting the new employees. Every month, she had a sit-down meeting with new hires in which she explained the purpose of Focus: Hope and told the stories about the agency's start up days. She wanted everyone to feel a part of the agency and know its values first-hand.
Be humble. I experienced Josaitis' humility first hand when she allowed me to profile her for my first book. Back then, I was an unpublished author, but Eleanor was generous with her time. She not only sat for an interview. She gave me a personal tour and opened doors for me to interview her leadership team. Re-reading now what I wrote of her then, it is clear that while she received lots of media attention, in her mind it was never about her, always about Focus: Hope.
The other thing I remember about Eleanor, and have shared frequently with others, is her sense of presence. She looked every inch the grandmother she was. Quiet, unassuming and smiling. But when she met you and gripped you with that handshake there was no letting go. You were in her grasp and she would put you to good use in order to further the mission of helping people in need and ensuring that that had a chance at a better life.
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