In a world that never stops changing, we need leaders that never stop learning. – Todd Adkins
U.S. Congressman Fred Upton, representing Michigan’s 6th district, recently stopped by our offices at Southwest Michigan First to co-host First & Foremost, a monthly meeting designed to bring together community leaders who support our mission to discuss the various issues that will help propel our Southwest Michigan Region to further greatness. In addition to representing our region in Washington D.C., Fred also commits his time to serving on our Board of Directors at Southwest Michigan First. Following his time with us last month, we had a few more questions for Fred about his leadership journey and wanted to share his insight with all of you. Take a look…
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Ron: Why is investing in leaders, both existing and emerging, important for the Southwest Michigan Region?
Fred: There is no question investing in local leaders has been a very positive force in our community. Yes, we are diverse and that is one of our strengths. As I look at similar congressional districts – those with an urban core, university and adjacent rural areas – we are head and shoulders above them in just about any quality of life measurement you want to use. Why? Because of the leadership and investment made in the community by folks in all walks of life. Our leaders are not afraid to confront, challenge and master the complex issues before us. Southwest Michigan First serves as a catalyst for detailing our goals and measuring our progress. I am pleased to be on their board.
Ron: Likewise, leaders should invest in themselves. What are the top books that most influenced you as a leader and why?
Fred: If you regularly watch C-SPAN, you’ll often hear good arguments on both sides of just about every issue under the sun. I’ve been blessed to surround myself with a very strong staff. They are, frankly, brilliant on energy, trade, and health issues and they work together to form a respected team that gets things done. By keeping my door open to virtually all viewpoints, I know I get the best information
As for books, I have always read a wide variety of books and have had the opportunity to meet great authors, including Doris Kearns Goodwin, Tom Clancy, Stephen Ambrose and David McCullough. Team of Rivals stands out as one of my favorites. It details the complexities of governing and the successful strategy employed by President Lincoln. The River of Doubt outlines America and the world as it was only 100 years ago. It details the incredible journey by President Teddy Roosevelt in South America that nearly cost him his life.
Ron: I think you’ll agree, even as existing leaders, we never stop learning and improving. Who most influences you in your ongoing leadership journey and why?
Fred: First and foremost is the influence of my wife and family. She is a minister and a volunteer hospital chaplain. When we get home from work, Amey has often had the rougher day. She has spent hours and hours trying to comfort a family in real need as they struggle with the loss of a mother or father, sister, brother, cousin, friend. She is the shoulder to cry on as they grieve and the willing listener as they remember many great moments during the course of a lifetime. She keeps me humble.
I continue to strongly admire our veterans and their families. The sacrifice they make is unbelievably challenging and I am humbled by their unflagging dedication.
I probably don’t fit the “description” of a Congressman. So when I’m flying back and forth to Washington, I tell folks I sit next to on the plane that I do “policy stuff.” Then I quiz them about their jobs and their outlooks on issues. We should never stop learning from others because if we don’t listen, we’ll only hear ourselves.
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Southwest Michigan First is grateful to Congressman Fred Upton for sharing his leadership with us through participating in First & Foremost, being involved on our Board of Directors, sharing his insights on the Always Forward blog and of course, serving our great region in Washington. I have no doubts that his willingness to share these comments will inspire other leaders to better serve their communities as well.
Always Forward.
Ron
Question: In what ways can you use your leadership gifts to serve the community in which you live, work and play?
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