526 - Goodbye to a Master Interviewer and Mentor Supreme
June 15, 2008 Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - June 15, 2008.
#526 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
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Tim Russert - Master Interviewer and Mentor Supreme
Today was incredibly sad for me, as my Sunday mornings were always shared with Tim Russert as he moderated the U.S. television show, Meet the Press.
There are two lessons that we can take from the life and craft of Tim Russert: Interviewing and Mentoring.
Tim was the ultimate interviewer! Over the years, I have watched, studied and replayed Tim’s interviews. He raised the artform of interviewing to a new level. Tim spent a week preparing for a one-hour show. He saw the role of the interview as a vehicle for creating a coherent storyline. Tim was brave with his questions and yet avoided the “gotcha”. He was a low-ego advocate for the learning needs of the viewers. He asked questions that would stretch the political figure beyond the predictable.
We should spend a lot more time using the interview as a tool as learning professionals. I have migrated my events from set keynoters to on-stage interviews with senior leaders. Tim’s style and approach to interviewing is a great role model for learning professionals.
The other side of Tim Russert I just learned about in the last 72 hours following his death: he was the ultimate mentor! To hear dozens of journalists from every network talk about the deep commitment Tim made to mentoring and advancing new talent was amazing. He reached out to find young people, at the start of their profession, and to take a long-term interest in their development. He would celebrate their successes and keep in touch with them about both professional and personal milestones. He made mentoring a core part of his role as a manager, a journalist and a friend/colleague.
We should all think of how we can dramatically expand our roles as mentors. As I listened to seasoned journalists share Tim’s role in their careers, it made me think about how each of us can dedicate a few minutes every day to mentor the next generation of learning leaders.
I will miss Tim. When the news came into my email box on Friday, I cried. The nation lost an incredible journalist, a super interviewer, a vibrant mentor, a loving father and son, and a curious learner!
Tim, we’ll miss you deeply. Perhaps your spirit will help the Buffalo Bills win that Super Bowl after all.
With gratitude and affection from the other side of the television screen,
Elliott
Contact Elliott Masie: emasie@masie.com
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