Three types of Resistance to Change I don't like it. I don't understand it. I don't trust you. Written for MILK magazine and originally published Aug. 2023 The entire dairy industry is going through massive restructuring and change. These changes are forcing dairies to scale up to remain competitive, working...
Category: Succession Planning
Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning, Uncategorized
Good Conflict is Necessary – Really, it is.
Good Conflict unearths all possible scenarios and the best solutions Written for Progressive Dairy and originally published June 2023. High-functioning family businesses need good conflict just as much as they need the right protocols for production. "I don't see it that way at all! I don't think you are seeing...
Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning, Uncategorized
Why do People Resist Change?
Have you ever wondered why some topics, people, or plans resist change? Written for MILK magazine and originally published May 2023. The dairy conference "season" is drawing to a close, and you undoubtedly have many good ideas you would like to implement on your dairy. After my presentations, I'm often...
Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning, Uncategorized
Strategic Planning isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies
Your farm will regenerate and reinvent itself to thrive in a changing world. Building commitment and alignment between the family and the business is key to a lasting legacy. Written for MILK and originally published in the Nov/Dec 2022 issue. Farms, and dairy farms, in particular, require constant reinvestment. But...
Succession Planning, Uncategorized
Gain Traction on Farm Transition
Originally published at Farm Futures on 9/28/22. While many farmers are unsure, maybe nervous, about the transition planning process. Not starting the process often makes things worse for everyone. However, getting started is often the hardest part. We'll explore how you can get transition traction, so your farm legacy...
Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning, Uncategorized
Moving from Commander to Coach
The most powerful move you'll make is moving from the commander to the coach. Written for MILK Magazine and originally published in the July/Aug 2022 issue. It's fairly common for farmers never to retire. So common, in fact, that we seldom hear the phrase uttered when going through a transition...
Succession Planning, Uncategorized
How to Handle Emotional Conversations
Four steps to mediate and solve emotional disputes in your family business Originally published at Farm Futures on 3.10.2022. A couple of weeks ago, Liz and I gave a presentation hosted by PDPWs Dairy Signal. It was a live-streamed conversation with farmers, and the topic was How to Get Your...
Succession Planning, Uncategorized
How to get the work done AND Keep Peace in the Family
Clarifying Who does What can make a big difference Originally published at https://www.dairyherd.com/news/labor/clarify-roles-dont-step-toes on 3/7/2022. One way or another, the work always gets done. We know that. But how the work gets done and who is in charge of the work is a much more complicated question. I recently gave...
Succession Planning, Uncategorized
What do transition planning and CRP burns have in common?
Successful transition planning takes a plan If you don't want a raging grass fire, you have to plan. To get a controlled fire that burns the CRP grassland without making the local newspaper, takes planning and preparation. I learned the hard way that tossing a match without planning doesn't end...
Succession Planning
Investing in the next generation
Just like any investment, the earlier you start the more it has time to grow and develop. You invest in your business; you invest in your retirement, and you invest in your connections with loved ones. Have you considered investing in the future leadership of your farm? John thought he...