Category: Communication

Communication

Why Don’t We Talk?

Communication paves the way for success and peace. Written for Farm Futures and originally published in the July/Aug 2024 issue. "I don't care if he doesn't understand everything about hogs or running a sow barn.  I need someone who can communicate and understand people."   "We don't really get along with each other.  We quit talking years ago and just focus on work."   Communication skills, or lack thereof, are common complaints I've heard over the years.  One would think that with all our options, mail, email, instant messaging, texting, and Slack channels, we would all be master communicators.  But...

Communication

For Better Feedback, Keep Quiet

Let Silence Do the Heavy Lifting Written for Farm Futures and originally published in the January 2024 issue.  The harvest went well, and the work got done, but the owner could tell it was more stressful for everyone since they picked up more acres.  There were too many balls in the air for the owner to juggle.  He wanted some ideas from his key employees.  He knew they shared the same frustrations and that, with their experience, they had good ideas on how to make the next season smoother.  What he really wanted was for the employees to "step up" ...

Communication, Succession Planning

How to start awkward conversations

Begin the transition planning conversation by keeping it tight. Ask to have an initial conversation about transition planning at some point in the future and encourage others to speak up about their vision for success. Written for Progressive Dairy and originally published January 1, 2024 issue.  Transition planning for a family dairy is not easy, and the stakes are high, not only for the business but also for the family.  Even if it isn't verbalized, there is often a powerful desire to get transition planning over with but not a strong desire to go through the process.  After all, the...