Reflections on Leadership

By: Governor Larry Rhoden

May 15, 2026

I have been blessed to serve in many leadership capacities in my life. Even after serving in the South Dakota National Guard, Majority Leader in the State Legislature, or as Lt. Governor and now Governor, there is still much to learn. My service to our state has afforded me even more exposure to leaders I would like to emulate, and some I’d rather not.

In my first week as Governor, I shared my desire for South Dakota to show how public service can and should be conducted. I laid out that one of the pillars of my administration would be civility, and I believe we’ve lived up to that. And along the way, I’ve realized that civility is a foundation of four qualities of leaders who get results: Stewardship, Temperament, Judgement, and Integrity.

Stewardship. Leaders should not be dictators. After all, “Under God, the People Rule.” Our authority is given in trust to serve the people. A governor has to make tough calls between right and wrong with people and policy. The goal is always to leave things better than I found them. Sometimes, that is an exciting announcement that will change the future of our state, like new opportunities for downtown development or reducing crime by double-digits. But vision requires less exciting behind-the-scenes work that can be best described as “maintenance.” I am working every day to pour solid, heavy, and level footings for the next generation to rise from. Plans are fine, but I prefer to lean on my results, large and small.

Temperament. Leaders need to have the mental, emotional, psychological, and physical strength to remain calm – all while acting clearly and decisively during good times and bad. Early on in my career, I learned to be a person who keeps their focus even if everyone else around me is losing theirs. I have tried to adhere to the words of 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Judgment. A leader is called on to make hundreds of decisions daily. The stress does not come from the number of them, but for me it is the desire to ensure I am making these decisions thoughtfully – no matter how comparatively small. Thankfully, I have a capable team of principled public servants who discuss civilly and help me make the best choices to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. And building that team requires good judgment of character.

And last, but most important, is integrity. It almost feels patronizing to point this out, but a good leader must be honest with thoughts, words, and actions that match. Elected leaders should not have a pass on this characteristic. Above everything else, I will continue to be a Governor who tells the truth with care, even when it is difficult or unpopular. I most respect people who are honest with me, and I care too much about the people of South Dakota to have anything less than full integrity.

We make and keep South Dakota strong when we work together. Growing up in rural South Dakota, I learned about the importance of community. South Dakotans are rugged and fiercely independent – but we look out for our neighbors, and we are grounded in humility. I hope to reflect that same selflessness and fortitude as your Governor.

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