The Refuge System’s Guiding Principles recognize the very essence of leadership: “We are public servants. We owe our employers, the American people, hard work, integrity, fairness and a voice in the protection of their trust resources.” The Guiding Principles go on to state: “Employees are our most valuable resource. They are respected and deserve an empowering, mentoring, and caring work environment.” Those sentiments must be carried out in ways that will both nurture leadership and foster a positive work environment at every level.
The leaders of tomorrow must serve from a foundation based on integrity and sound land stewardship in service to others and their communities. They must be adaptive and visionary, inspiring employees and partners to exceed what is necessary and seek what is possible. They must possess agility, passion and exceptional communication skills. They must be skilled in the use of technology to enhance communications and overall management. They will model and expect accountability of themselves and staff. Finally, those leaders must be committed to the development of the next generation of conservation stewards.
Just as leadership is welcomed at every level, this organization remains indebted by the essential contributions of the dedicated people who facilitate its day-to-day achievements. Consider the critical role administrative workers play in bringing on temporary and seasonal staff; the interpretive and environmental education programs given by the student working on an internship who reaches hundreds of visitors over the summer, or the habitat management that is achieved by the wage grade workers who repair, maintain and operate our equipment. These dedicated, innovative, and resilient employees are the face of the agency and the reason for its success. They each play a critical role and deserve positive, proactive leadership and opportunities to develop themselves and their skills.
Leadership development will not be seen as a “collateral duty,” but will be central to the culture of the Refuge System. Employees will serve in an environment that values openness and transparency and the contributions each employee makes to the fulfillment of the mission. Leaders will value diversity of personal and professional experience. As such, they will seek out leadership excellence from beyond the Refuge System and will encourage rising leaders to broaden their experience within and outside of the Refuge System. Innovation and well-reasoned risk taking will be embraced and rewarded. Change will continue, and leaders must anticipate it to make positive changes that benefit fish and wildlife and their habitats.
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