Posts in: Leadership

A reflection from Leadership South Dakota founders, Rick & Valerie Melmer Like many in South Dakota, my wife Valerie and I were saddened by the loss of Jim Beddow. Jim was a friend and mentor, and we always enjoyed our opportunities to visit with Jim and his wife Jean. Valerie’s family and the Beddows had […]

With a new director at the helm, Leadership South Dakota is excited to announce the students selected to take part in this year’s program. With a record number of applications, this group of South Dakotans will kick off the 10th class when they meet in Pierre this fall. The comprehensive, statewide program has a mission […]

After nine years at the helm of Leadership South Dakota, Executive Director Rick Melmer and wife Valerie Melmer, Hospitality Coordinator, have announced they are “graduating” from their respective roles following the completion of the 2023 program year. Since starting the program in 2014 with the mission to build the next generation of South Dakota leaders, […]

Leadership South Dakota is excited to announce the 43 students who will take part in this year’s program. With a record number of applications, this group of South Dakotans will kick off the 9th class when they meet in Pierre this Fall. The comprehensive, statewide program has a mission to engage citizens from across the […]

Leadership South Dakota is excited to announce the selection of 42 class members for their next 8-month leadership program. This class represents the 8th class to participate in Leadership South Dakota and will kick off the first session in Pierre this September. Leadership South Dakota is a statewide program with a mission to engage citizens […]

A key part to being a successful leader is how you manage your margins.  Successful leaders make the best use of their time each and every day.  That means that when they have small blocks of time, (expected or unexpected) these leaders are prepared to use that time to accomplish something productive.  It could be […]

We’ve all heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words”. Most of us would agree that this statement is certainly true. What we DO says more about our priorities than what we SAY. Our actions represent our values. However, it is common for leaders to say one thing and do another. We may believe that […]

As an executive coach, I am always looking for tools and visuals that will resonate with the clients that I see. One particular visual that always seems to score is a chart that outlines tasks and priorities that are urgent and those that are important.   Urgent vs. Important While the conversations are focused on the […]

By Rick Melmer – Leadership Coach Over the course of my professional life, I’ve learned that you must re-invent yourself from time to time. You know, switch things up – sing a new song – take on a new challenge. At the age of 59, I’m beginning a new venture as a Leadership Coach who works with […]

By Rick Melmer – Leadership Coach Our daughter Tara asked if I could watch her two daughters (our granddaughters) for one day – she was obviously desperate so she decided to entrust her two children to me! At the time, Kya was 4 and Ivy was 1 so I had them outmatched in the age department. Despite […]