Jackie Kennedy’s Leadership Letter

Jacqueline Kennedy, in a traumatic, painful, miserable time of her life wrote a personalized letter to a world leader that showed strength and a focus on a bigger picture, a worldwide one. Kennedy acted the leader and even in her profound grief, she communicated a respectful call to action.

John F. Kennedy, her husband and the president of the United States, was assassinated during a presidential motorcade on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.

Despite the impact it had on her and her children’s lives, Jackie Kennedy felt it a personal and international duty to take on the responsibility to write Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev and talk world matters and safety. In doing so, she too conducted herself as a leader.

It might be important to note that there are different photos in the public domain showing Mr. Khrushchev and Mrs. Kennedy interacting, both of them smiling. They seemed to have had a respectful, positive relationship.

Mrs. Kennedy brought up the shared beliefs and mutual respect JFK and Khrushchev had amongst them. She follows that with the concerns her husband had — “that war might be started not so much by the big men as by the little ones” — and expresses her appreciation of the relationship JFK and Khrushchev had and how much she valued the tenderness and compassion he and Mrs. Khrushchev showed to her.

“The letter impresses as a poignant and brave communication. It reflects the humanity behind political figures, highlighting the ability to reach across ideological divides in times of crisis,” says Brenda Christensen, the CEO at Stellar Public Relations, adding, “The personal touch in the letter exemplifies diplomacy at its most human level.”

Mrs. Kennedy spoke of the men being adversaries yet being of like-mindedness about not wanting the world to suffer nuclear destruction.

“This statement underscores a profound truth in international relations — respect and acknowledgment of each other’s positions are vital, even among adversaries,” Christensen points out. “It speaks to the possibility of constructive dialogue and understanding, transcending political and ideological differences.”

Mrs. Kennedy spoke of the importance of “big men” who recognized the need for self control and restraint within conflicts. She sounded cautiously optimistic about prevention of war between the two military superpowers yet still wary of what could and would happen if the “big men” didn’t interact responsibly and assertively with the “little ones.”

“It suggests that leaders have a crucial role in fostering dialogue before conflicts escalate,” Christensen states. “Her cautious optimism mixed with wariness reflects the delicate balance world leaders must maintain in international diplomacy.”

This example of First Lady leadership communication could make citizens long for more examples of other president’s wives communication involvement with leaders. Christensen is the same.

“I would be interested in learning more about Eleanor Roosevelt’s communications, particularly during World War II,” she says. “Her role in shaping the public’s morale and her influence in policy, especially regarding human rights, makes her communications a fascinating study of leadership and diplomacy.”