Twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern. VALOR class VII seems to be in a pattern of weather events. Session I concluded during Hurricane Helene. Session II involved gale force winds. Session III started with a snowstorm causing a boil water advisory for the entire Richmond area. Despite these challenges, our class has a knack for perseverance and we won’t let a little speed bump get in our way.
With the municipal water system compromised in the Capital city, we turned this challenge into an opportunity. As we all arrived and checked into our hotel for the week, Megan was working the phone and pivoting our plans. Commissioner Guthrie and Deputy Commissioner Green, from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, graciously came to our hotel for a review of their Department. Hearing their backstories and how they became involved in State Government was inspiring. We were also fortunate to have Del. Robert Orrock and Senator Timmy French visit, even after the General Assembly recessed for an entire week due to the water conditions.
Our next event was truly an experience that I never thought I would have. As we entered the Governor’s Cabinet room, we were asked to sit at the big round table. Sitting in the room where so much of the state’s problems are resolved, with multiple Cabinet Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries, my heart and mind began to race. However, after hearing from Secretary Slater and Secretary Gee, I realized that these folks had relatable backgrounds to our Class. The nerves started to settle, and I was able to absorb the vast amount of information we were given. With six departments presenting to our group, the workload of operating the State of Virginia was coming into focus. This single part of Session III will stick with me for a lifetime.
Our trip was off to a great start and the changes to our agenda were making the most out of our time in Richmond. When we learned of the cancellation of the VA Agribusiness Council Legislative Banquet, Megan continued to work her magic. Visiting Greenswell Growers, having dinner at Reservoir Distillery, eating food prepared by Tanya Cauthen from Belmont Butchery with meat provided by Studley Farms, and having Cliff Williamson visit were all great experiences during this week of continuous shifts.
As we finished our visit at Virginia Farm Bureau, self-reflection became the theme for me. Learning how to interview on camera and seeing myself on video made me realize how perception and context are all in the eye of the viewer. I have always worn my emotions on my sleeve and have a tendency to speak before I think. This training helped me understand how these personality traits could be misunderstood in certain situations.
However, reviewing our Gallup Strengths Assessment ended up being the most revealing and influential part of Session III for me. Learning my Leadership Strengths, which were unbelievably accurate, has sparked an internal inventory, as I have continued to reflect since January. I had always known that influencing was a talent, but finding my top five themes residing in the Influencing Domain was astonishing. Additionally, realizing that I was the only class member with a top five in one domain was interesting.
The most beneficial discussions came as we talked with other classmates who possessed strengths not represented in our own top ten themes. Understanding these differences, recognizing the other viewpoint, and learning to lean into my strengths while acknowledging my weaknesses will benefit my leadership development. Dana Fisher pushed this thought by adding the following quote, “The great ones do not get great by making weaknesses mediocre. They become great by making their strengths stronger.”
This session tested our resilience and ability to adjust on the fly. However, like most agriculture professionals, Class VII and our amazing leader Megan Seibel were up for the challenge. We have proven over our three sessions that our resolve and flexibility are strengths that we continue to make stronger. As we learn more about ourselves and each other, mediocre is never an option for this group. We will continue to push the group and each other to become great.
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