Not the Mighty Oak

by Stephan Schaefbauer, DVM, MPH, Area Veterinarian in Charge – Minnesota, United States Department of Agriculture

I?started my leadership journey thinking that one day I would become a leader and that would be it. It was all about “getting there” to this perfect point. After going through the Key Leadership Executive Program, I learned two major things. One, I was already on the journey. Two, as leaders we can try new things, reshape ourselves and evolve. This poem was born from my evolution of thought.

How would you describe leadership??

Changing seasons, changing conditions

Change?

Windy days, cold, hot?

Change?

Up days, down days

Change?

How would you describe leadership?

Growing, reaching, digging?

Hope?

Transforming, reshaping, moving forward?

Optimism?

?

The life of a leader is full of seasons, and filled with opportunity?

Filled with the promise to reinvigorate

The opportunity to be new, be better

?

Is leadership like a mighty oak??

Soil prepared, seed bought, planted?

Wait

Nurture

The tree grows and towers

Strong, immovable

?

No friends!?

Leadership is more like the forest.?

Lively, changing

Listen…

The birds chatter,?

Creatures stir.

Look at all the plants,

All the growth,

Change.?

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Like my leadership journey this poem does not feel complete. I wanted to include something related to the soil being richer after a fire, or the need for fires (failure). When you re-read the poem, I invite you to think of ways to add to it. And to add to your leadership journey, your leadership forest.

About the Author

Dr. Stephan Schaefbauer is a veterinarian with the United States Department of Agriculture for 15 years. “Being public servant has been so fulfilling”. She is also a certified coach with her agency and has been coaching for two years. Overall her favorite thing to do is spend time with her husband and their 10 year old son and 7 year old daughter.