April 21, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera.

While you may have awesome talents, think well on your feet and have attributes of a leader, being a leader is not something you are – it’s something you learn.

“I believe we learn to lead,” said Jim Woster.

If you know Woster, you likely appreciate his down-to-earth manner, his jokes, stories and songs, as well as his amazing ability to relate to people and put you at ease as he immediately engages you in friendly conversation.

Woster will tell you he came from humble beginnings. “I grew up on a cow/calf and grain operation about halfway between Reliance and Lower Brule, South Dakota. I spent my first eight years of education in Reliance and then transitioned to high school in Chamberlain.”

The transition from a school of 23 kids to 200 wasn’t easy. “Quite frankly, I was pretty much a lost and insecure little guy.”

While he began to hit his stride at South Dakota State University, graduating in 1961, his beginnings in the work world were humble as well. “When it was time to graduate, there was no job except the Sioux Falls Stockyard and that was a menial, entry-level opportunity,” Woster said.

Yet he was able to capitalize on his roots and connections, making for a 43-year career in cattle – buying, selling, market reports and public relations.

Along the way, he became a South Dakota icon. He has spoken, emceed and performed at hundreds of FFA banquets, county fairs, charity auctions, farm and ranch shows and conferences, senior citizens luncheons, annual dinners and more. He does public relations for SDSU, writes a column for the Tri-State Neighbor regional farm publication, has been a favorite commentator on radio and is a friend of Avera.

Now at an active age 82, Woster gives the following tips to emerging leaders:

Know your area of expertise. “And just as importantly, know and respect the jobs of those you lead. You can’t be knowledgeable in all areas, so please support your teams.” Woster remembers that his best leaders taught by example “how to be the best in the profession I hoped would be a lifetime experience.”

Be truly interested in those around you. Know who they are, their interests and family life. “Most importantly, let them know you will be there if they need you, both on and off the job.”

Care about those you lead. “My best leaders over the years were those who checked on me when I was ill, attended my dad’s funeral, visited us at McKennan when we had babies. Very simply, they let us know that they cared about us as a part of the workplace family.” Everyone has a bad day on occasion or goes through a difficult time. “We can’t measure what a kind word from the boss or leader means to someone.”

Volunteer. Seek out one or two volunteer opportunities that best fit your skills and talents. “Certainly, your professional position that pays your bills must come first, but never forget the importance of volunteering. It runs this city.”

Be there for the special moments. “As a leader, it can become easy to forget the most important part of your life: your family.” There will never be another first basketball game or first dance competition.

Enjoy what you do. You’ll spend 45 to 60 hours a week at it, so you should look forward to going to work. “If you start wishing it was Friday on Wednesday or dreading Monday on Sunday afternoon, that should cause you to rethink,” Woster said. “There is no shame in being in the wrong job, but there is in staying there when you know there is something better out there for you.”

Be who you are. “We are who the creator intended, and he does good work.”

Remember that seasons change. Life has good times, bad times and a mixture of both. “As an 82-year-old cattle guy who has been around, I can promise you, when least expected, a really bad life situation can and will change and get better.” So if times are bad, just hold on, and wait for things to turn around – they will.

Be grateful. “Never forget the many blessings that you and I, as Americans, who live in this region receive each and every day. A pause to remember our blessings of family, food, health care, a home, great schools and on and on will make a hard day much easier.”

Learn more about job openings at Avera at Avera.org/Careers.