What Is My Attitude?
By Jim Magagna
This is a question we should all ask ourselves regularly. It is key to our own satisfaction, as well as to our relationships with others – family, friends, business associates, government bureaucrats and even our livestock.
Our attitude is influenced by many, often challenging external factors. Nevertheless, each of us is responsible for the attitude with which we face those challenges.
Attitude can be challenging in unique ways for career government employees. They feel bound to adhere to the perspectives of the political “bosses” currently in power.
Frequent career moves often preclude the establishment of personal relationships, with constituents expected to follow their directions.
Particularly in the 21st century, their attitudes have been driven by regulations, manuals, handbooks, policies and fear of litigation. These pressures leave little room for a positive attitude of partnership, collaboration and mutual respect.
It is largely for these reasons government employees who reflect this positive attitude, of which there are many in Wyoming, stand out.
Today I am optimistic this can change. At the federal level, individuals who are being placed in positions of authority are demonstrating a commitment to a return to this positive attitude.
At the recent National Cattlemen’s Beef Association meeting in San Diego, we heard from key representatives of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Flexibility, deregulation, active collaborative management, targeted grazing and beginning rancher initiatives were some of the encouraging words that punctuated their remarks.
I am feeling these same changes in attitude in direct conversations I have had recently with agency personnel. Numerous other releases would indicate this change in attitude is taking place in other agencies throughout the government.
This change in attitude will be enhanced by changes being proposed in a host of regulations and policies including BLM grazing regulations, Endangered Species Act regulations, sage grouse plans, the Conservation Rule, the USFS Handbook, old growth timber management and several resource management plans.
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) is engaged both directly and through our national organizations in each of these efforts.
How do we assure this new attitude becomes the established way of doing business, not just a blip in the radar of government overregulation? Each of us plays a critical role in answering this question.
First, we must change our own often justifiable attitude government “regulators” are just an obstacle to our success in the ranching business.
We must embrace those who are willing to change their attitude as key in our success through our collaborative management of our natural resources. We should assist them in recognizing this new attitude as a more satisfying way to have a career in government to help in assuring they will maintain this attitude even should the political spectrum swing back toward a more regulatory climate.
In summary, your attitude can influence their attitude.
Jim Magagna is the executive vice president of WSGA and can be reached by visiting wysga.org.
