Bill Hybels interviewed Jimmy Carter.

“Why did you run for President?” To expand my sphere of influence and better use my God-given talents.

“What’s your leadership style?” I’m an engineer. I am very meticuluos in organization.

“Did you find it hard to go from the navy, to business, to politics?” No, I was the same person in all. I had to study to learn each sphere, but I was the same person.

“What do you look for in people for your team?” Loyalty to the shared outcome, plus greater capability than I had. He really liked it when subordinates disagreed among themselves; he encouraged debate between them. Appreciated the diversity of ideas.

“Did you get entrusted with leadership opportunites early in life?” Yes, my Dad made had me running a business when I was 5 years old. And more through his early years.

“What was the high light of being a president, and what was the worst day?” Best was the signing of the peace treaty. Worst was having to cancel the rescue mission for the hostages in Iran.

“What about segregation?” It was ingrained in me that segregation was wrong. He feels that the churches in America are still some of the most segregated places today.

“Tell me about the Habitat for Humanity work” Still very involved in this, after 24 years. Many projects underway. Feels that the church is not sufficiently involved in bridging the gap between rich and poor.

Feels that bridging this chasm — between the rich and poor — is the biggest challenge facing the world today. It is very difficult for us to reach out to people who are different to us. In effect, we wipe poor people out of our minds.

He thinks that a superpower should be best known for cultivating peace.

“We can accomodate changing times without giving up unchanging principles”

Bill’s summary at the end: (1) we need to pray more for peace; (2) Carter had a very gentle spirit (he could be very arrogant); (3) someone who could have been very bitter at defeat did the opposite, and found new avenues to serve others. What an amazing man and leader!