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Dr. John Mago works for the business department of Anoka-Ramsey Community College at the Coon Rapids campus. However, his experience and expertise extends far beyond the field of business.
Mago is equipped with a doctorate in leadership and organizational development, masters in business administration, masters in management, and a bachelors in finance. This has helped shape him into the admirable leader that he is today. In his own words, “Ideal leaders are rarely defined in the public eyes because they do not seek the notoriety that fame and fortune bring.” Mago is a great example of a true leader. He has offered his services at Anoka-Ramsey Community College by serving on the multicultural diversity committee and hiring committees, as a past advisor for Phi Theta Kappa honors society, a current business club advisor, and as a judge for the Business Professionals of America. In an interview, Mago expanded on his talk on leadership. When asked why he chose a degree in leadership, he explained by saying, “I chose leadership as it applies to all facets of business and life in general. Effective leadership allows an organization to develop (organizational development) into a fully functional and efficient entity. A doctoral degree inleadership allows one to lead businesses, consult leaders, facilitate learning at all levels of higher education, or write books. This degree has broadened my horizons in my capacity to think outside the box and elevate my understanding of the inefficiencies of many leaders today.” Mago also said that there is a true lack of actual leadership skills in today’s society’s leaders. He admitted, “I do believe there is a serious deficiency in effective leadership skillsand abilities at all levels of business and government.” Because education is so important, building leadership skills during one’s education can be one of the most effective way to learn, he says. Finally, when asked if he had any pointers on how to be a good leader, he said, “A good leader is a good follower. Believe in open communication, recognize the good in people, recognize your own faults and learn from them, listen to what all people have to offer and choose to utilize what you deem as valuable, realize that everyone is human, hold everyone accountable for their actions including yourself, if you cannot do the job then find someone who can, admit your failures, and finally be humble. Sometimes leadership is a job so do it the best you can and when given the opportunity to be a leader, be the best you can.” Mago has been building on his leadership skills at Anoka-Ramsey Community College for four years so far. He teaches in the business department. Mago uses his business skills as not only a teacher but also by providing constructive criticism as a judge for Business Professionals of America. ARCC hosts regional competitions where students from local high schools come to compete for a chance at the state level. As a part of the business faculty at the college, Mago volunteers his time to judge these students and provide helpful criticism. Mago’s closing thoughts were regarding education. “Education is for everyone so why not take the learning opportunity.” He said. “The only way to succeed is to know more than the next person. If society in general became educated, the those in government positions cannot oppress the public anymore.” The examples the Mago sets should make him a role model for all students, especially those who will be in leadership positions.