Years ago, when I was only months on the job here in Ames, I held one of my first board meetings and timidly outlined a new direction for the organization. I was timid because I wanted to honor the amazing work that had already taken place while instilling new ideas that I knew would be successful. In real time, I felt as though I had weaved that balance successfully, until I got a phone call from one of my board members who summoned me to their office.
I arrived and she quickly got to the point. As this was nearly two decades ago, the paraphrased conversation was something like this: “Dan, you don’t need to apologize for making decisions and being you,” she went onto tell me. “We hired you to make change, so go do it.”
That conversation has stuck with me—not just as a kind gesture of encouragement, but as a defining moment in my leadership journey. It was the right message at the right time, and it gave me the confidence to move forward without hesitation.
It also taught me something about leadership that I’ve carried with me: the impact of timely feedback and mentorship. If you’re in a leadership role today, remember that you have opportunities—sometimes small, sometimes big—to shape the path of someone coming behind you. A few honest words, a nudge of encouragement, or a reminder to trust their own instincts can make all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve tried to pay that lesson forward. When I see a young leader wrestling with a new responsibility, or a colleague hesitant to take a leap, I often think back to that board member’s willingness to pause and invest in me. Leadership isn’t just about charting strategy or making decisions—it’s also about lifting others up and giving them the confidence to lead boldly in their own right.
Our community thrives because of people willing to take risks and push forward, but no one does that alone. We need leaders who set direction, and we need leaders who mentor. We need people who remind us that change is not something to fear, but something to embrace.
If you find yourself in that position—whether as a manager, a coach, a volunteer, or a board member—don’t underestimate the influence you carry. Take the time to provide feedback. Offer encouragement when it’s needed most. Share the wisdom you’ve gained along the way. You never know when a simple conversation might stay with someone for decades, as that one has for me.
