Instead, they blossom in the still, quiet moments of life.

That is an approach Aaron Putze presented to some 500 people gathered Thursday evening for the annual banquet of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, held at Fort Frenzy.

Putze, a West Bend native, is the chief officer of brand management and engagement for the Iowa Soybean Association. But he also speaks to audiences throughout the state about how they can achieve greatness. He has written two inspirational books on that topic: “You Are Destined For Greatness” and “Chuck Long Destined For Greatness.”

He told his audience that silence isn’t empty. Instead, it is full of answers. And he said, those silent moments of contemplation can make people better.

“A better you is of great value to others,” he said.

Noting that his audience was full of community leaders, Putze offered four pieces of advice to help them meet local challenges

First, he said, love where you are from.

“There’s no better marketer for all these communities than all of you in this room,” he said.

Second, he encouraged the audience to seek out perspective, especially perspectives that are different from their own.

Third, he stressed the need to “be in the moment.”

“Too often, we’re not in the moment,” Putze said. “When we’re not in the moment we make mistakes.”

“Big moments can be had in everyday moments,” he added.

His fourth piece of advice: “Don’t mistake what’s urgent for what’s important.”