Interpersonal Skills: A Happy Warrior Teaches the Art of Influence

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Michael Jendrzejczyk died at the age of 53. His obituary in the New York Times reveals a remarkable man: empathetic, principled, and, most instructive for those of us seeking to become more skillful influencers, a very effective advocate for what he believed in. His cause was human rights in Asia.

What set him apart from many advocates,” wrote Elizabeth Becker, the author of the obituary, “was his mastery of the details of his subject, as well as his network of contacts with officials, academics, and dissidents he helped protect.”

“Mr. Jendrzejczyk joked about the difficulty of pronouncing his surname, telling others not to waste their time learning to say it or spell it, but just to call him Mike J. His easy manner was partly responsible for his wide reach.” It’s pronounced jen-DREE-zick.

Susan Osnos, former Associate Director of Human Rights Watch, said he used information to promote his ideas. “Over the years, he evolved into someone who worked well in Washington, creating two-way streets that are the bread and butter of getting things done…”

When the Chinese dissident Liu Qing was released after 11 years in prison, Mr. Jendrzejczyk took him around Washington to explain to policy makers the human consequences of their votes.

He pressed Mr. Harold Koh, then an assistant secretary of state, for countless changes in foreign policy to reflect human rights concerns, but, Mr. Koh said, he was never irritated by the demands.

“You start out in a professional relationship with him and end up considering him a dear friend,” Mr. Koh said. “He was one of those happy warriors who never let you forget that you are holding a job not for personal gain but for the betterment of American policy.”

May I point out the obvious lessons for those of us who want to be more influential?
1. Master and use information to help you promote your ideas.
2. Network, mercilessly.
3. Poke fun at yourself. Cultivate an easy manner.
4. Create two-way streets with those you seek to influence.
5. Make the benefits of your ideas vivid, human, and personal.
6. Be a happy warrior for your cause.

Mr. Jendrzejczyk is survived by his wife, Janet and his sister, Lyn Ashmore. I extend to them my sympathies and trust they will approve of my use of Michael as a good role model for those of us who would like to be better advocates for our causes.

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