What Peatsy Hollings Taught Me About Communication

I had the privilege of working for a great member of the U. S. Senate.  And, I do not mean Senator Fritz Hollings.  Although as a godfather, a former U. S. Senator, a former South Carolina Governor and as a mentor, the influence the Senator had on me has been tremendous.  But, it was his counterpart and wife, Peatsy, who may have had a greater impact on me.  And, I deem her a member of the Senate as she was an institution in those halls as much as Senator Dole, or Kennedy.  She was beloved by Republicans and Democrats alike and she filibustered for what she believed as if she had a vote on the floor of that chamber.

In years past, I had the great opportunity to learn a great deal about politics, marketing and communication from the Senator as we toured the entire state during his campaigns.  But, I learned just a little more from Peatsy.  She taught me what real communications was about.  It was about concisely stating what you believe.  It meant listening to understand and get the feedback needed to fine tune your message.  She taught me that communication and marketing were key to winning political campaigns, and the most important element of both of them was developing trust.  Whether in Dallas, or Washington DC, or Charleston, SC, great communication is all about trust.  Journalism professors could not teach that like the old pro herself, Peatsy Hollings.  We miss her greatly already.

 

 

Peaty Hollings

1935 - 2012

 

Link to The Post and Courier.