Making a Lasting Difference

Steve Chapman
President & CEO
Ruan Transportation Management Systems

Several months ago, New View’s Danny Beyer, whom I had never met at the time, requested a meeting with me to discuss my career and how individuals can make a difference in their communities. While flattered, I was not sure why he contacted me instead of other community leaders. However, we met over coffee and talked about the importance of volunteering, getting involved and giving back within our community. We had a great conversation, and it caused me to think back about myself at his age and my desire—just like his—to make a difference.

Last week, Danny sent me an e-mail asking if I would be willing to write New View’s guest blog for June. He said it would be great if I would write about personal mentors who I have been fortunate to work with in my career. As I think about the many individuals who both intentionally and unintentionally mentored me throughout my career, I realize they made a lasting difference in my life. And I am now at a point in my life when offering my time and guidance to younger, determined generations is so very important. I hope to impact them the way my mentors impacted me.

I have been very fortunate to have had a successful and rewarding career. That process began with the best and most important mentors in my life—my parents. My parents taught me that I truly can do anything as long as I am willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed.  When I needed help or did something wrong, they were always there to pick me up, allow me to learn from my mistakes and get on with my life. They taught me values that will always guide my life and my decisions. I was taught that there is right and there is wrong—nothing in between. As a result, decisions came easy for me because I never looked beyond what was the right thing to do. My parents taught me the importance of caring for others and always putting their needs above my own. 

After completing my studies at Drake University and entering the workforce, I was determined to succeed in business. But I also wanted to succeed in being an engaged citizen within my community. So with every opportunity I was given, I worked extremely hard to make a difference, and the impact of my efforts on others was always in forefront of my thought process. I was taught that success is shared, and it always felt better when that success had a positive impact on others. As my responsibilities expanded, I looked for ways to get involved and give back to this community in which I was so fortunate to live. That is where my second group of mentors came in.  

One thing I learned quickly was that the most involved and successful business leaders in our community welcomed individuals like me to the table as long as we were willing to work. I first became involved in what was then the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce by volunteering on various committees focused on economic development. It gave me the opportunity to meet and work with successful, philanthropic individuals like John Fitzgibbon, Bill Knapp, Marvin Pomerantz, Dave Miller, Connie Wimer, David Hurd and many others. Each of these individuals—whether they knew it or not—guided, coached and mentored me in so many ways. They taught me so much, but most importantly, they taught me the importance of giving back. At the time, they made it clear that they did not expect my financial contributions to the community to be the size of theirs but, as my career grew, so should the size of my contributions. They were always willing to offer their time to help me better understand the needs of our community and how to address them. I feel very fortunate to have become close friends with many of the leaders who truly define this community.    

In fact, I was asked to speak at the funeral of a friend and mentor during their last days of life. This individual was such a strong personality and leader that once I hesitantly agreed, they proceeded to tell me what they wanted me to say at their funeral. I was directed to not speak about them, but rather about this great community and the work that still needs to be done. It was a demonstration of leadership that never fades because it is instilled in others.  

The leaders and mentors I have been so fortunate to know taught me the importance of working together within our community to overcome challenges, create opportunities and make it an even better place to live, work and raise a family. It’s people who truly make a difference through their willingness to stand up at the right time for the right cause—and Des Moines has been blessed with many leaders who selflessly donate their time and financial resources to the community. 

Today, I still consider myself that young businessperson looking up with respect to the leaders who have mentored me and made a lasting difference in my life. Now, I’m honored to have the opportunities to speak to organizations like the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and United Way’s Education Leadership Initiative, as well as work with young people, like Danny, who want to get involved in their community. I was taught well by my many mentors, and I will do everything I can to continue to teach the importance of getting involved, giving of time and resources and always acting for the right reasons.

Leading the Way: You may need to adjust your leadership style

Alex Taylor
Associate Director
University of Iowa
Tippie School of Management

I recently enjoyed a couple of great reads about leadership functions and styles that served as a catalyst for some introspection: What are the functions of a leader and how do they perform them?
In his book, “A Force for Change: How Leadership Differs from Management,” John Kotter lists three primary functions of a leader:

1 Strategy — A leader establishes direction by paying attention to the market — industry, customers and employees — then develops, plans and implements the mission, vision and strategies for the long term success of the organization.
2 Communications — A leader aligns people and resources by sharing and communicating the organizational plans and strategies so that employees, customers and partners understand, embrace and commit to these goals.
3 People management — A leader motivates and inspires by appealing to and tapping into emotional and rational values and needs of employees, customers and others to work toward shared goals and collaborative results.

So if these are the leadership functions, what are the styles?
John Hendry, author of “Between Enterprise and Ethics: Business and Management in a Bi-Moral Society,” identifies four leadership styles — authoritative, participative, empowering and servant — as they might pertain to Kotter’s functions of a leader.

Authoritative leaders cut through or eliminates red tape, process and politics to make definitive decisions. Their conviction and confidence can inspire others to follow and/or do as their told.

Authoritarian leaders sometimes convey a “my way or the highway mentality”, which can backfire when employees don’t believe their input matters or their voices are heard.

Participative leaders enable others to provide input, but remain the final decision-makers. By encouraging participation, these leaders gain good insight and ideas that enable them to validate and/or adjust their decisions accordingly.

This style can help build consensus to guide and align organizations. However, if input of others never gets incorporated, a participative leader risks losing the loyalty and support of employees whose ideas perceptively fall on deaf ears.

Empowering leaders facilitate and guide others to make decisions as talented subject matter experts. These leaders must check their egos at the door, trust the talents and experience of subordinates, accept some uncertainty, and be able to recognize and acknowledge the success of others.

To be effective, an empowering leader must set clear limits of authority, establish shared and measurable goals, and be able to restrain empowered employees from running amok.

With planning and management, an empowered environment can be very innovative and entrepreneurial. But left unchecked, it can spiral out of control and the inmates can take over the prison.

The servant leader often can be found in smaller organizations and not-for-profits, working side by side with others to provide direction.

When they lead by example, these leaders demonstrate they are not above doing the work expected of others. This style can garner the respect of others and can be inspirational.

However, there are some people who prefer authoritarian leadership and a servant leader might appear weak and/or ineffective.

Just as we periodically measure and adjust our organizational focus to accommodate changing economic, financial and political environments, I believe it’s equally important to measure and adjust our leadership styles to stay relevant and effective.

So, what functions do you lead, and how do you do it?

West Des Moines Leadership Academy

Amy Seidelman
Vice-Chair, West Des Moines
Leadership Academy

I’ll start this post with a warning:

Readers, beware – my enthusiasm for the West Des Moines Leadership Academy might just jump off the page at you.

As a graduate of the inaugural 2009 class of the Academy and its current Vice-Chair, I am pleased to introduce our group to anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to participate in the academy, hasn’t attended one of the many events that evolved from our Academy class projects, or doesn’t know someone who comes to work the 4^th Friday of the month with a renewed sense of purpose in life and work (due to their attendance at class the day before, of course).

There are many great leadership organizations in the state and in cities around West Des Moines. As an alumni-driven group, the Board and Committees of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy strive to make our approach to improving leadership unique.

We touch on topics everyone can benefit from like team building, coaching, conflict management, and situational leadership, but we also focus on supporting individuals on their quest toward personal and professional development.  This year, that included a strategic approach to goal setting, tapping into creativity, and generating the “escape velocity” we need to make positive change in our lives.

We spend about a third of our time exposing the Academy class members to real community issues through experiential learning, simulations, and guest panelists. One of the most influential learning opportunities is the class project, which in the past has varied from focused youth-oriented mentoring work to more large-scale community events! If you’ve attended events like Putt Your Best Food Forward, the BoosterPak Bash, the Hy-Vee Stash Mob, or the 2012 Morsel Combat, you’ve attended a Leadership Academy sponsored or run event.

Taught by local leaders, this program was created to build leaders in the West Des Moines area and our surrounding communities. The program’s balance of leadership training, community experiences, and networking opportunities makes it one of a kind.

I’ve saved the best part for last – we are currently accepting applications for our 2013 -2014 class, which starts in September 2013 and ends with graduation in June 2014. We generally meet on the 4^th Thursday of the month with the exception of some dates we move for holidays, orientation, and graduation.

What we look for in ideal WDMLA candidates:

·         a commitment and motivation to serve West Des Moines;

·         leadership in employment and/or volunteer organizations that translates to influence on important issues; and

·         the ability to honor the time commitment required by the program.

Please take a moment to check out our website. Scan the Alumni and Current Class pages for anyone you might know and can ask about the class. Look at next year’s class dates to see if they’ll work for you. Most importantly, visit the online application and review what you’ll need in order to submit yours soon.

Whether you ask your employer to sponsor this great learning experience or decide to “put yourself through” the WDMLA, you’ll find great value in the leadership lessons and connection to our community you’ll develop. If you are considering asking your employer to sponsor you, you can share these employer testimonials with them as well.

As a potential applicant, you’re on the verge of some serious networking and the start of some amazing friendships. I, for one, can’t wait to meet you!

Young Professionals and Politics

Legal Counsel and Legislative Liaison
Iowa Secretary of State

The terms “young professionals” and “politics” often seem mutually exclusive.  Obviously the world of politics has young professionals who run for office or are employed in politics and government.  Yet, the perception is that young professionals are part of the business world and not the political world.  Some would even argue that except for voting and being part of a democratic republic, most young professionals are not even part of the political process.

  However, I would posit to you that this could not be further from the truth.  In reality, based on your occupation you are probably represented by a lobbyist or a political action committee that is giving money to politicians ostensibly on your behalf.  This link will give you an alphabetical list of the businesses and organizations in Iowa that employ a lobbyist:  http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=Matt&Service=Lobby.  This link is an alphabetical list of the current political action committees that are active in Iowa at the state level:   http://www.iowa.gov/ethics/lists/list_download/pacs.pdf.

After reviewing either of these lists, it will be clear to you as a young professional that based solely on your occupation you are indeed part of the political process.  If nothing else, you will recognize that some of your money is already being spent on political campaigns or to impact the legislative process and you did not even realize it.  As such, I would encourage you to spend some time looking through these lists.  This information is all a public record and too few people take the time to look through it.

So why should young professionals care about politics?  Remember that elected officials pass the laws and ordinances that have a direct and indirect impact and influence on your businesses, employments, and everyday lives.  Not only are laws and ordinances an issue, but state agencies and departments are able to adopt administrative rules that basically act like laws.  Several of you are in professions in which your employment activities are heavily regulated by laws and rules.  This is the major reason why your professions have lobbyists and political action committees looking out for your interests. 

Not only do you pay federal taxes and state income taxes, but there payroll taxes, property taxes, franchise fees, and local subdivision assessments.  While I am not arguing for or against these “government revenue generators,” you certainly need to be aware of them and how they impact your career.  Some of the most spirited debates in Iowa politics involve tax issues and rightly so.  Clearly it goes without saying that there are various ways in which the imposition of taxes impacts your life as a young professional. 

So short of running for office or otherwise becoming a young professional that is employed in the world of politics (and I would encourage you all to do those things), what should you be doing?  Read up and familiarize yourself on the issues.  There are plenty of social media opportunities that give you quick access to information.  It is amazing how much knowledge you can capture from a couple of blogs or who you follow on Twitter.      

Get to know people in government and politics.  Remember that they have strict ethics laws including limitations on people able to accept gifts, including free meals, but there are opportunities to interact with them.  Let them know your feelings as a young professional on the issues and how you are impacted.  I believe you will be amazed at how easy it is to access politicians and government officials in Iowa.  I believe you will be even more amazed at how much Iowa’s politicians and government officials appreciate receiving your input.

So as you can see, no matter what your current interests, politics does have an impact on you as a young professional and it is crucial for young professionals to pay attention to political issues.  Brush up on the issues, learn who the players are, and make your voice heard.  It will pay dividends throughout your career. 

Believe in Yourself

Suku Radia
CEO and President
Bankers Trust

My first piece of advice to any young professional who is new to Des Moines is to “believe in yourself.”  If you don’t possess self-confidence, it will show and you will impede not only your career, but you will also have difficulty becoming connected in the community.

Doing everything with the utmost integrity is a given.  Good oral and written communication skills are also as important simply because they enhance your ability both from a career and a social standpoint.  These skills will do wonders for your self-confidence.

When I think about networking and how it has affected my professional life, the first thing that comes to mind is that we live in an absolutely wonderful region of the country where senior leaders are very approachable.  I always encourage young professionals to embark on a journey of networking very early in their careers because this will open many new doors both professionally and socially.  Networking through volunteerism is one of the easiest ways to become connected.  Likewise, developing a sense of curiosity is important so you are not afraid of asking questions. Quite often, young folks are afraid there will be a void in the conversation.  You need to work hard on developing a set of questions which will ensure the conversations are more productive.

As I reflect upon my career, if I had to do just one thing over again, I would have been more selective with which organizations I became involved.  I have overdone it and I have learned the hard way.  I should have said, “no” more often.  While it is good to give back, I believe I have paid much more than my fair share of civic rent.  Fortunately, I have managed to get by on a lot less sleep than most individuals but I am not sure that is a good thing.

Young professionals have a superb opportunity of impacting the community on a number of fronts.  For example, as we think about how well Des Moines has been ranked nationally on a number of attributes; young professionals can enjoy the benefits of the following:

• Our human services organizations are outstanding.  Those people who are in need can always use volunteer help from our young professionals and those opportunities are available every single day.  Furthermore, it feels good to be able to help those who truly need our help.
• Our cultural and arts amenities are always looking for young blood to perpetuate their board of directors.  This is a great leadership opportunity and becoming involved with these organizations is very fulfilling.
• Young professionals can also become involved in mentoring programs relatively early in their careers.  For example, there are organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters which provide tremendous mentoring opportunities. 

WDM Leadership Academy: Not your average leadership organization

In the event you are not familiar with the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, I want to share with you information about this one-of-a-kind organization. 

 I am sure you may be thinking…one-of-a-kind?  What could make this leadership program so different from the myriad of other leadership opportunities offered throughout the area?   Well, let me explain.   

The West Des Moines Leadership Academy is a unique nine-month course which not only offers on-site touring of various aspects of West Des Moines, such as city government, economic development, non-profit and charitable needs, cultural and civic opportunities, health care and more,  but each class also addresses a specific high-level leadership skill, presented by an expert on the topic. 

Some of the leadership sessions have dealt with conflict management, performance coaching, crisis management, handling the media, team building, etc.   These types of leadership skill development sessions offer you a “street value” well beyond the class fee, with skills you can take back to your work and implement the very next day.  

Next month we will graduate our third class of the WDMLA.  Hard to believe.  With classes limited to just 30 people, this will give us an alumni count of almost 100 people.  As I reflect back on these last few years, one of the best things about the WDMLA is the opportunity to build new alliances, create new friendships and enjoy some of the finest food samplings offered throughout West Des Moines. 

As a class member, you will have the opportunity to meet many past and current leaders of our community.   If you would like to get involved and actively participate on boards, committees, city government, etc., you will have countless opportunities to connect and build relationships through the WDMLA.

The WDMLA is now accepting applications for the Class of 2012.  If you are interested and would like more information, visit the website at www.wdmleaders.org.   You can also register online, but please hurry as the deadline is June 30, 2011.  

Leadership makes things happen.   The West Des Moines Leadership Academy will provide leaders at all levels with an opportunity to learn about our community as well as hone leadership skills.  Apply today…it is the best value in town!

Rose Breuss

Director of Marketing, McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith, P.C.

rbreuss@mhcscpa.com

Past – Chair of the WDMLA

The fuzzy line between social and professional networking

Most of us know (or quickly figured out); Facebook and business do not mix.  An electronic diary of sorts, Facebook is probably sharing more than you are aware of. 
If you’re in search of career opportunities, having your personal and social lives blaring about to the entire world can muddy the waters of landing your dream job. 

A majority of us witnessed the viral up-rising of Facebook while in college; we latched on and never looked back. We wake up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee, and connect to the world-wide web.  Facebook, email, instant messengers, and other social networking sites keep us connected twenty-four hours a day. 

When was the last time you did not connect to the web? I bet you can’t remember. Nearly 266 million people access the internet in North America alone (as cited in “Internet Usage,” 2010). That’s nearly 78% of the entire population [North America]. 

Depending on your career aspirations or your business’s vertical, Facebook can be an effective way to network professionally.  According to Neal Schaffer (2010), companies are spending almost 20% of their total marketing budgets on social media.  

What does this mean for you as a career professional? It means there is an increased likelihood of potential employers and businesses seeing your social networking profiles.

Unless you want your future boss to see a photo of the night you decided to moonlight as a karaoke professional after one-too-many margaritas, I’d keep the social networking for your eyes (and your friend’s) only. 

Tips for maintaining a “clean” social networking profile:

·         Use social sites such as Facebook only to build relationships with your friends

·         Limit the amount of images/photos you and your friends post

·         Examine your profile carefully and decide what you want potential employers  and  business contacts to see

If you need assistance and information on up-and-coming professional networking sites, SmallBizBee.com (2010) recommends the following 40 top social networking sites for small businesses and career professionals (here’s the top 5):

1.    LinkedIn

2.    Meet the Boss

3.    PartnerUp

4.    Qupacity

5.    Ryze

Internet usage statistics; the internet big picture. (2010, June 30). Retrieved on May 18, 2011, from http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm

Schaffer, Neal. (2010, December 14). LinkedIn vs. Facebook for business in 2011-The battle begins. Retrieved on May 18, 2011, from http://socialmediatoday.com/nealschaffer/252062/linkedin-vs-facebook-business-2011-battle-begins

The ultimate list: 40 social networking sites specifically for small business, entrepreneurs, and startups. (2010, February 2). Retrieved on May 18, 2011, from http://smallbizbee.com/index/2010/02/02/ultimate-list-40-social-networking/

Kari Ratkovich

Freelance Social Media/Writing Consultant

Kari.Ratkovich@gmail.com