To the editor,
As an administrator and attorney before that for the last quarter century, I have participated in many negotiations — way too many to count. I have watched numerous persons around the negotiating table. I have seen all kinds: the “fist pounders,” the “intimidators,” the “interrupters,” the “my way or the highway-ers” as well as many others who push their weight around and oppress those they perceive weaker than themselves.
Sometimes I’ve seen these tactics succeed. At least in the short run. Intimidation and fear can work. If they didn’t, we wouldn’t have the word “bully.” However, in the long run, there is really only one recipe that I have seen successful: respect.
Watching Mike Holden and Paul Eklund on opposite sides of the table negotiate union contracts for the city of International Falls over the last eight years has deepened my belief that respect is the only proven leadership style for long-term success.
And what you learn at the negotiating table from respecting the other person in the room during tense, difficult, and lengthy negotiations puts you in good stead when you have to work with and motivate these same people over the long-term.
No one wants to be bullied and no one likes a bully even though we may fear bullies and sometimes may even believe we have to do what they say.
In this election, I support Mike Holden for school board and Paul Eklund for mayor.
Rod Otterness,
International Falls, MN
