Lessons in Leadership from Ed Schafer

Some like to believe that the only way people succeed in this world is by birth right or by reaching the top through unscrupulous manners. I reject this notion.

I prefer the “cream rises to the top” theory. Sure there are cases where people deceive others and manipulate themselves into positions of power and wealth, but generally I believe you reap what you sow. Most people who rise to high leadership positions do so because they are outstanding – smart, loyal, and fair people who readily embrace hard work.

So it is with great satisfaction that I’ve watched Ed Schafer reach the pinnacle of his career – exceeding even his own wildest dreams to become a United State’s Cabinet Secretary.

Every effective leader offers certain strengths. Here are some valuable qualities I observed in Ed Schafer.

Everyone matters: Ed respects the people cleaning his office as much as a dignitary with a fancy title. He and Nancy always paid a visit to the cooks in the kitchen at community events – and often helped them work. We joked that some of Ed’s closest advisors were the people at the gas station where he bought his daily Big Gulp. His sincerity and fondness for people has earned him loads of good will throughout our state.

Have faith in individuals: Hire good people, discover their strengths and then allow them to do their job. Ed Schafer trusts the advice of staff people (even if it occasionally proves to be wrong.) More than that, his faith in people is the foundation for his belief that the best solutions to society’s challenges rest not in government but in the creative minds and ingenuity of individuals.

Be positive: Ed Schafer is more likely to see possibilities than problems. He isn’t afraid to pursue big ideas, and his optimism is contagious. When Ed was elected governor, North Dakotans were down on our luck and our future. What a contrast to today, when hundreds of North Dakotans stood up to defend our state against a shallow and biased picture painted by the National Geographic. This turn around in spirit began with Ed Schafer.

Don’t take yourself too seriously: It’s okay to laugh and have fun, even at your own expense. And it’s certainly okay to break with tradition. In his campaign for governor in 1992, Ed Schafer was the one who started walking through the crowds of parade goers rather than waving stiffly from the back end of a convertible.

A favorite memory that illustrates both his and Nancy’s good humor comes from their “Capitol for a Day” program. I still chuckle when I think of Nancy Schafer running down the streets of Wilton in her business suit and high heels, pushing a twin bed that held a helmet-wearing Lt. Governor Rose Marie Myrdal. Nancy was determined to beat Ed, who was pushing an opposing team’s bed right beside her.

Leaders like Ed Schafer inspire loyalty and good will, make you want to do more and be better. They rise to the top of their game, and bring others with them. They leave a lasting impression on the organizations and people they touch.

We can all learn from the examples set by Ed Schafer. The people at the USDA will certainly benefit from their time with him.