MAY 6-12, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 29 A heartbeat away from leadership During a recent panel discussion featuring top executives from leading construction firms, we unearthed a startling trend. The event was hosted by the Construction Financial Management Association and covered the four-state area of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The moderator posed what seemed to be a simple question about how we knew when we were ready to assume the mantle of leadership. I answered first, recounting that the original plan was to spend three years gradually transitioning into the top executive role. However, less than nine months into the transition in August 2013, my predecessor, Dwain Gold, suffered a heart attack, and I had to assume the role immediately. Strangely enough, the next executive in line on the panel had a similar story, as did the others that followed. Each of the three panelists disclosed that they had been thrust into their current roles earlier than expected due to the sudden health crises of their predecessors – specifically, heart attacks. This statistic not only highlights the intense pressures and health risks associated with high-stakes leadership roles but also serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for readiness and comprehensive well-being in such positions. As all three leaders shared, none felt entirely prepared at the moment they stepped up, yet the demand of the situation left no room for hesitation. The lesson here is twofold and stark: First, the pathway to leadership might come faster than one anticipates. Preparation cannot begin when an opportunity arises; it must be an ongoing endeavor. Second, and perhaps more crucially, the health of a leader not only affects their own life but can also dictate the continuation of leadership and the health of an organization. It underscores the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being to withstand the demands of leadership without succumbing to its potentially debilitating pressures. How the pressures of leadership are managed often comes down to mindset and thinking more long-term. The power of long-term thinking helps organizations embrace a growth mindset, build resilient teams and achieve lasting success. In the book “The Infinite Game,” Simon Sinek expands on the work of James Carse’s “Finite and Infinite Games,” particularly in how game theory pertains to business. Many believe the game of business is won by increasing sales, taking market share and growing profits. All of these are worthy pursuits. However, if you change the rules and assume the game is won by building a company that lasts forever, that changes things. With this new mindset, you quickly realize that every position in an organization is an interim position. You only hold it for a period of time until someone steps in as your replacement. In ancient times, the concept of cathedral building taught us this. Projects would begin and might not see completion until four or five generations down the road. They got really good at passing the vision on. In a recent meeting, I asked our team to consider what it would take for our company to still be functioning 300 years from now. One of our field supervisors thought for a minute and said it means we have to start doing things differently today. That’s the point. These revelations serve as a call to action for current leaders to foster environments where upcoming leaders are prepared well in advance for unexpected ascensions. Mentorship and proactive development programs are essential in ensuring a seamless transition during unforeseen events. In a broader sense, this discussion invites leaders across industries to reflect on their personal health and professional preparedness. The blend of high responsibility and intense stress common in leadership roles can take a significant toll if not managed properly. Leaders are encouraged to implement stress-reduction techniques, regular health checkups and a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes well-being alongside professional achievements. As we navigate the complexities of leadership, it’s essential to remember the impermanence of life and the importance of enjoying the journey. Achieving true success is about striking a reasonable integration between making meaningful impacts and ensuring personal health and happiness. Additionally, we come to understand that the game is won by continuing the game. Let this be a reminder and an inspiration for all current and aspiring leaders to prepare diligently and care deeply, not just for their careers, but for their lives as well. Ron Bogart is the CEO of Gold Mechanical Inc. He can be reached at rbogart@goldmechanical.com. GUEST COLUMN Ron Bogart OPINION WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Springfield Business Journal welcomes responses from readers. Letters to the editor should be brief, preferably under 300 words, and may be edited for clarity, style and length. No anonymous letters will be printed. Send letters to sbj@sbj.net. Please include your full name and the city where you reside. Missouri Senate Bill 190 was signed into law authorizing counties to grant a real property tax credit to eligible taxpayers. The Greene County Commission passed an order authorizing a credit program beginning in 2024. However, the credit is not automatic, and there is a deadline for making application. But if you qualify and keep the credit active, your taxes are frozen to the amount you paid in the first year of your application. As mentioned above, you have to apply for the credit. The application may be found online. The easiest way to find the application is to Google the phrase “Greene County, MO property tax credit application.” The first result will take you to a page on the Collector’s website that has a link to the application form. Once the application is complete, you return the application directly to the County Clerk’s Office, not the Collector’s Office. It may be mailed, emailed or hand delivered to their office in the Historic Courthouse, located at 940 N. Boonville, Room 113. The application deadline is Sept. 30. The Greene County Commission sets the deadline, however, and it could change in subsequent years. You will be notified if your application qualifies you for the tax credit. There are five requirements to qualify for the tax credit: • You must be a resident of Missouri. Merely owning a property in Greene County is not sufficient. • You must also be eligible for Social Security. You have to demonstrate your eligibility by submitting a copy of your Social Security benefit verification later, or a copy of your current Social Security statement. • You need to be on the title or be able to present a document showing you have an interest in the property. • You must be liable for the payment of real estate taxes on the homestead. • You must occupy the homestead as your primary residence. Vacation and second homes are not eligible for the credit. Several other conditions need to be satisfied for eligibility. The home must be your homestead, and the parcel must include only your residence. If you live on 50 acres, especially if there are other homes on the property, the whole parcel will not qualify. Moreover, you will have to divulge if you made any improvements on the parcel since the last tax assessment. If you added a wing to your house or put in a pool, for example, the valuation of the property would change and your taxes would likely increase. There is information you will need to supply for the application. You need to know your parcel number. You can find it on your property tax receipt or on the Collector’s and Assessor’s websites. You will also have to provide proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate or other state or federally issued photo ID. Finally, you will need to attach a copy of your deed and a paid property tax receipt for the parcel. You must also certify that you have read and understood all of the questions and answered them truthfully and accurately, and that you have the authority to act on behalf of all the owners. You must further certify that you do not claim a homestead for any other property in Missouri or elsewhere. If you claim a homestead in Florida, you cannot also claim one in Missouri. There are penalties for submitting a false declaration under section 575.060 RSMo, and this may be prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor. The statute allowing qualifying senior taxpayers to freeze the property tax on their homestead is a great economic benefit. The tax imposed on such residences will not go up as long as you reapply and requalify each year. Otherwise, the credit will lapse and your taxes may rise. The county is not sending notices to residents to tell them to apply, and many homeowners are unaware of the new tax credit program. If you think you will qualify, begin collecting the materials and information needed to apply before the deadline, as there is no provision for accepting late applications. Stephen F. Aton is a Springfield attorney and owner of Aton Law Firm LLC, practicing estate planning, corporate and real estate law. He can be reached at steve@atonlaw.com. Real property tax credit for seniors GUEST COLUMN Stephen F. Aton
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