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Believing the best in everyoneBy Holly Martin When 2007 drew to a close, so did an important chapter in the history of High Plains Journal. Duane Ross, president and publisher, retired at the end of the year. This weekend we will celebrate his retirement with employees, colleagues, friends and family. And while his list of accomplishments is long and great, his legacy at the Journal is more about attitude. He has been a success by any measure--awards, leadership positions and years of profit. But to those who worked with Duane, what matters the most is how he treated each of us with respect and encouragement. It has become such a cliché these days to talk about positive attitude. But for the employees at High Plains Journal, we have had a daily example of what a difference one man's attitude can make. There's not an employee who works at the Journal who hasn't benefited from Duane's kindness. He believes there is good in everyone, regardless of background, education or circumstance. Duane's successor, Tom Taylor, describes his management philosophy with this quote: "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of being." (Goethe) It describes Duane to a "T." Many, many times, Duane saw potential in his employees that they themselves didn't even know they had. He managed not by telling people what to do, but by encouragement and a gentle nudge here and there. He understood that happy employees make a positive work environment, and in turn loyalty to the company and to the work that they do. It is no wonder that a 10-year tenure at High Plains Journal means you are the "new guy." Whether you, the reader, knew it or not, he saw farmers and ranchers as his "boss." If Duane drew an organizational chart of the company, the readers would be on top. They would fall above him and everyone else at the Journal. Not a business decision went by, when he didn't think of the farmers and ranchers that are our subscribers. But his attitude extends beyond the doors of our office to his church, his community and his family. Over the years, his leadership has been a priceless example, garnering respect for the way he handles himself and difficult situations. It is an important example in today's world: Take care of what is really important--people. Inspire them and believe in them. The rest will fall into place. Duane led our company with an attitude that is an example for all. He inspired and believed in us. And for that, the employees of the High Plains Journal say, "Thank you." Holly Martin can be reached by phone at 1-800-452-7171 ext. 1806 or e-mail at hmartin@hpj.com. 1/21/08 Date: 1/16/08
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Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
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