Secretary's Column
By Dr. Rick Melmer
Department of Education

Saying yes rather than no

All of us have mentors, people who have impacted our lives along our professional path.  One of my mentors is Dennis Peterson. I worked with Dennis in Mitchell, S.D., and Cheyenne, Wyo., where he served as the superintendent and I was an elementary principal. 

I learned a great deal about leadership from Dennis – pearls that have remained a part of my thought process ever since we parted ways in 1990. One of the comments that he made that I have never forgotten is this: “It is easier to say ‘no’ than to say ‘yes.’” As I reflect on that statement, I can honestly say that it is true in my life, and it has certainly been true during the past legislative session.

Think about it: When you say “no,” you are ensuring that there will be no changes. There will be fewer conflicts, and the status quo will be upheld. People like consistency and normalcy. They like the predictability of knowing that tomorrow will be the same as today. The old saying that the only person who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper is not completely wrong. Therefore, it is easy to understand why people, and specifically leaders in our communities, state and country, have a tendency to say “no” rather than “yes.” There just appear to be fewer conflicts if you maintain the status quo.

The challenge that Dennis left with me is that leaders find a way to say “yes.” True leaders have the courage to tackle the inevitable challenges that come with saying “yes.” Leaders understand that saying “yes” means that a new idea has a chance, that innovation will be rewarded, and that the status quo will not assumed to be right but rather tested regularly to make sure it is fair to all people.

I admire people who find a way to say “yes” because I think that is how organizations improve. Imagine if the pioneers of the past would have decided it was too risky to venture out of their comfort zones. Our world would be a different and more primitive place.

As we move ahead with our education program, we move past the 2006 session where our legislators said “yes” to some issues like virtual school, mandatory kindergarten, school funding, scarcity and the Classroom Connections program. They said “no” to programs like compulsory attendance to 18 and the teacher compensation assistance program. We must strive to ensure that the “yes” votes were worth it and that the “no” votes can be considered on another day. 

My challenge to you as a leader is to find ways to say “yes” in your school or district.  Embrace the challenges and enthusiasm that come with planned and positive change. I think our schools will benefit from leaders who find ways to say “yes” to our students, staffs and communities.