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The Leadership Advisor
"Helping Leaders Develop Leaders"
February 2008 - Volume 3 Edition 2
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Heart of a Leader

"Have Faith! Things fall apoart so that things can fall together." ~ Dan Zadra

"Human beings are unique among the creatures of the earth in their ability to unwaveringly believe in something they cannot rationally prove." ~ Phil Eastman, Founder & President, Leadership Advisors Group

"Faith certainly tells us what the senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see; it is above, not against them." ~ Blaise Pascal

". . .to achieve a frame of mind in which I may hold firmly to what I believe to be true, even though I know that it might conceivably be false." ~ Michael Polanyi, Chemist/Philosopher

"What do you pack to pursue a dream, and what so you leave behind?" ~ Sandra Sharpe

Faith
By Phil Eastman

Thank you for all the notes of support after we published the first chapter of The Character of Leadership last month. I hope you enjoy reading Chapter Two: Faith. This has been a challenging chapter to write because of the potentially charged nature of the subject. Additionally, I have tried to craft something that is equally philosophical and practical. Please let me know if I have succeeded in that attempt. Your continued support and suggestions are very much appreciated. If you have stories or experiences that illustrate this chapter I would love to hear from you. Enjoy!

"Possessing and demonstrating a clear and effective set of positive core beliefs to support my character and leadership."

It is interesting that when the presentation of this character model is given in a public setting there is a palpable tension the sweeps over the listeners when they realize that the first element of discussion is faith. For a number of years in the United States, there has been hesitancy toward the discussion of faith in government, business, and non-profit settings. The nervousness seems to rise from the view that somehow there are certain domains in which discussions of faith are appropriate while other settings are and should remain off limits. (How this discomfort arose lies outside the scope of this narrative) However, there is no way to have a discussion about human behavior without discussing faith and the beliefs it harbors. Therefore, we will have a discussion of this touchy and yet critical element of character in order to illuminate the clear connection that individual faith has to do with the nature and quality of leadership.

The astute observer will have noted that the graphic used to illustrate the elements of character and their interconnection shows faith in the center of the model. The model is constructed to show that faith is central to character and thus central to the leadership that flows from character. The rest of the character elements take their queue from the individual beliefs contained in faith. Those beliefs inform, color, and influence the rest of the elements in ways that many may not be able to discern except through a clear eyed and open minded review of character. Since faith is the central element of our character and to our analysis of leadership, let's dissect this touchy matter, beginning with why faith is so important.

People don't act on what they know; they act on what they believe. This simple and yet troublesome truth is what makes people so marvelous, so adaptable, and so frustrating. If changes in human behavior were as simple as imparting new knowledge then the world would be full of highly educated, successful people who are living in peace and harmony with their surroundings. Poverty, wars, and environmental degradation occur not because we lack the knowledge upon which to avoid or solve those protracted problems, but because our core beliefs don't accommodate or desire the solutions to be put in place.

For example, let's look at a period in history that saw the rise of labor unions in meaningful and powerful ways in the United States. The industrial age brought with it substantial improvements in the efficiency of machines and manufacturing systems. The creation of broad wealth in America and overseas had increased demands for American goods and the industrialists of the day took full advantage of the opportunity. They worked adults and children in sweat shops and boiler rooms, in intolerable conditions for countless hours, at low wages, all for the sake of creating for themselves substantial wealth they believed they were entitled to.

There was also a persistent belief among those early industrialists that they were somehow superior to those they employed. There was a distinct class structure that kept the workers in their place, while the families of the entitled few would literally lounge on the efforts of the masses.

These intolerable conditions grew to be more than workers could take physically, emotionally, and economically, so they banded together to create for themselves power that rivaled that of the company owners. In doing so, they perfected the labor movement in America which at its core was to counter the unequal relationship between worker and company.

Of course, because the core class beliefs of society were firmly in place as the unions grew, the leaders of those organizations grew more powerful and wealthy. In fact, in some situations even took advantage of the very workers they were supposed to represent.

The point of this example is that the prevailing belief during that period in American history was, some people were more valuable than others and wealth and power were something that should be accumulated at all cost whether that be by industrialist or labor union boss. (even though the American Constitution promises all are created equal; therefore should presumably be treated as such)

Even today, despite centuries of history and the accumulation of knowledge that all human beings have the right to be respected, we use money and power to shape individuals and nations alike. Our knowledge of what is right is superseded by our beliefs in our own superiority and supremacy; consequently deserve all that we have and can accumulate.

. . .to complete this article, please click on the faith icon above. . .

Phil Eastman is the founder and president of Leadership Advisors Group, a Boise-based consulting firm. Phil combines more than 25 years of leadership experience with his passion for consulting, coaching, and teaching to develop leaders, build teams, and improve performance. It is his desire to enhance leadership effectiveness for all of his clientele.

Phil earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Management and Organization from Idaho State University. He is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington where he is also an instructor. Phil also holds a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary.
Farmgirl Leadership
By Lorene Rasmussen

I can remember it like it was yesterday and with the winter we've had this year, I still wish it was the 3rd week of September. The morning was crisp with a sunrise painted across the autumn sky just for me. Like usual, I had scheduled too many things to get accomplished in one day. It was 4 days until the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration 5K race and 41 days until the MCM 07. Believe me when I say, I do not take pride in busy. Busy doesn't mean progress, it just means busy! Nevertheless, I couldn't reschedule my early morning appointment, since the window of opportunity to visit with MaryJane Butters was very limited.

MaryJane Butters is the courageous business woman, environmental activist, and "farmgirl" behind the MaryJanesFarm in Northern Idaho. MaryJane was in Boise as one of the panelists for the 10th annual Women in Business and Leadership dinner. Every year, the Women in Business and Leadership panel has 4-6 dynamic women leaders sharing their stories of success, failures, and philosophy for today's business arena.

Upon arriving at the hotel lobby, where I was going to meet MaryJane, I tried hard not to look as hurried as I felt. The hotel clerk buzzed her room while I quickly reread my notes about her life, women in business, and the issues concerning organic farming.

Although I had seen MaryJane's picture on the website, I wasn't sure what to expect when she stepped off the elevator. Dressed in a beautiful brown jacket, fall colored skirt, and cowboy boots, MaryJane was distinctly feminine and completely unassuming. She approached me, placed out her hand, and with a quiet yet confident voice, introduced herself. In that moment, all my cares were put to rest as we ordered our coffee and began our conversation at the little corner bistro.

Only remembering a few details from my notes (I left them in my briefcase), I started with, "MaryJane, how does a single woman from Utah with two little children, end up owning a 5 acre farm in Northern Idaho and becoming a business icon and leader in the State of Idaho?"

Perhaps not the most eloquent question MaryJane's ever answered since she is used to being interviewed by real journalists from publications such as National Geographic and House & Garden. Nonetheless, that one question took me on a "twisty-turney" adventure to the farming region of Palouse Idaho. It reminded me of modern day Little House on the Prairie, with a single mother of two that lived the homestead life without indoor plumbing or television.

What started out as MaryJane's dream to own an organic farm to grow enough food to sustain her family, transitioned into what National Geographic called, "A Farming Revolution-Sustainable Agriculture."

"It wasn't an easy transition. I remember back in the early 1990's when I tried to get my certification as Idaho's first organic manufacturer, the State official actually laughed at me," said MaryJane. "Instead of looking out for the health of my family and others, he thought I was trying to get more money for my products."

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture makes the organic division as, " . . . products that have been produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or growth regulators and is processed, packaged, transported and stored to retain the maximum nutritional value without the use of artificial preservatives, coloring or other additives." For farmers like MaryJane Butters, it is more than an organic distinction, it is a philosophical approach to life that promotes healthy crops and a sustainable farm. MaryJane Butters is considered to be the pioneer of organic production in Idaho.

Organic certification wasn't the only challenge MaryJane faced as she plowed ahead with her dream to create a sustainable agricultural system and produce healthy products. There wasn't a bumper crop of small business loans waiting to be harvested by a single mom with 2 children and 5 acres. It didn't matter that her credit was good, what mattered to the nicely dressed bankers was, MaryJane didn't have a husband to help finance her "hobby."

Weeds, weather, and vermin hadn't stopped her, so she certainly wasn't going to let a handful of bankers turn her dream into silage. Poor on capital but rich on creativity, MaryJane used the storyboard concept to paint a picture of sustainable agriculture and healthful foods to a group of investors that were able to capture the vision she had deep inside. With that, money was given, a dream was planted, and MaryJane and the investors are still reaping the benefits.

MaryJane openly admitted that she nearly went under a few times but survived by reinventing herself over and over again. She planted this and tried that; She published a subscription magazine that instructs, informs, and tells stories to inspire other "farmgirls"; She started a mail order instant meal business; She created a non-profit educational program called the Pay Dirt Farm School to help cultivate organic farmers and eaters; She opened a bed & breakfast on the farm; She learned photography and has written at least three books that beautifully displays the pictures of everyday life on MaryJanesFarm; She raised two children; She was named Idaho Progressive Business person of the year; She founded the Palouse- Clearwater Environmental Institute; and she fell in love and married the farmer down the road.

So much has changed since MaryJane drove a car with a rusted out floorboard, where her son remembers getting his leg stuck in one of the holes. "Organic food now makes up the fastest-growing food segment of the food industry. . . according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture." writes Jennifer Barrett with The Salt Lake City Tribune. Another notable difference is, "women are the fastest growing group of people buying small farms," states MaryJane Butters.

My hour with MaryJane went by too fast even though I knew I was going to hear her again that evening. As a small token of my appreciation, I gave her a copper and glass beaded bracelet I had made (which matched her outfit perfectly) and she returned the favor with a couple of her organic chocolate bars. I walked away from my time with MaryJane trying to imagine the incredible responsibility she must feel as a farmer and business woman employing all those folks that depend on their livelihood at MaryJanesFarm.

Farmgirl Leadership is #2 in a series of interviews with local leaders, business owners, and personal hereos.

Lorene Rasmussen is the Partner for Business Operations which guides and supports the daily and strategic operations of Leadership Advisors Group. She combines a unique sense of fun and organization to insure operations run smoothly and that clients receive the highest quality service possible.

Lorene earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in marketing from Boise State University and is a certified Life Coach through Genesis Enterprises in Seattle, Washington. Although raised in a ranching community, Lorene prefers to gathers her eggs at the local Albertsons' and grinding her coffee at Starbucks. However, after spending an hour with MaryJane, she realizes there's a little "farmgirl" left in her.
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Leadership Advisors Group will help you and your organization succeed by:
  • Developing effective leaders.
  • Creating strategic plans that drive organizational progress and team unity.
  • Delivering change management to achieve strategic results.

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"Faith: keeping your eyes open for opportunities that aren't always obvious." ~ Unknown

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Phil Eastman & Lorene Rasmussen
Leadership Advisors Group

phone: (208) 344-0471
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