When it comes to Transition Planning, communication is the foundation. Originally published at Progressive Dairy on 9/20/2021 Despite a farm's success and strong family ties, a family can become fragmented and less unified over time. This was the case with my friend Bob. He was so delighted when both his son and daughter decided to come back to the family farm. In addition, their spouses also chose to join the operation. For the first year, it was smooth sailing. Together the family made plans to expand the dairy operation. Then, in a blink of an eye, things went south. No...
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Business Growth Strategy, Succession Planning, Uncategorized
Communication, the missing ingredient in Transition Planning
When it comes to Transition Planning, communication is the foundation. Originally published at FarmFutures.com on 10/13/2021 The transition plan had all but stopped, and unspoken issues were piling up. Both the employees and the next generation were frustrated. Everyone involved was frustrated, including the advisors and spouses. To be fair, this is a top-notch farm with really great people. Many good things are happening on this farm, so it's not like there are many major problems. But they do have a bunch of little ones that no one was talking about. Yet, there is one missing ingredient. Communication. We have...
Business Growth Strategy, Uncategorized
Work-Life Balance is More than a Buzzword
A good work-life balance helps everyone thrive in their personal lives and on the farm. Originally published at dairyherd.com 9/3/21. Work-life balance is the buzzword as of late, and for a good reason. It can be a struggle to make all employees happy. But your employees struggle too. Farming can be long hours, which means less time for other important aspects of life such as family, friends, hobbies, and self-care. When employees have a good balance between work and life, they feel a greater sense of control and ownership over their own lives. They tend to have better relationships with...
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Keep Calm and Carry On
Keep Calm and Carry On Lessons on Resilience & Hope from Great Britain -1939. I saw this phrase several years ago and never paid much mind to it. What does it mean, and where did it come from? Does it apply to us today? The year was 1939. World War ll was about to begin, and the horror of an invasion was on the doorstep of Great Britain. Great Britain was not prepared, and defeat seemed inevitable. There was a massive national movement to get ready, but even then, the outlook was grim. There were many ideas about what to...
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Managing Through a Crisis
Anyone can lead through periods of calm. When we have great milk prices, healthy calves, and perfect weather, leading is easy. But sometimes things go completely off course with a crisis and that is where your leadership is tested. Click on the link below to read the full article. https://www.milkbusiness.com/article/how-to-lead-through-crisis?
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Manage Through Uncertainty
This spring has been chaotic. Although many factors are out of your control, there are certain things you can do to empoyer your team! As a leader, focusing on these key areas will start you in the right direction. Communicate Often Be Clear in Your Message Remain Positive Plan for Unexpected Employee Changes Cross Train Employees To read my full blog post click here.
Business Growth Strategy, Uncategorized
Who is that person in the mirror
Sometimes the person we see isn't who our employees see. Written for Dairy Herd and originally published in January 2020. When you look in the mirror, what do you see? I am not talking about your good looks, your financial status or your rocking abs; I am referring to your persona. Often, we believe we are someone quite different than the impression we leave with others. Is it our vibe, our distant engagement, or our drive to move forward at a fast pace? We have all been taught that it does not matter what others think of us; we...
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A farm business case study: Is your farm stuck because of low trust
Without high levels of trust, your family farm will lose traction and stall out. Click here to read the full article Tim Schaefer is a management coach for farms and agribusiness and a blog writer for Farm Futures.
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Do you know why people resist change?
Change is necessary to thrive and survive. If you want to regain traction, it is necessary to understand the causes behind resistance to change. Click here for the full article. Tim Schaefer is a regular contributor to Farm Futures writing on the topics of transition planning, leadership development, peer groups, and management.
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Build a Team of Best Friends
If your top employees have a best friend at work, are they more likely to stay? Click here for the full article. Tim Schaefer is a regular contributor to Farm Futures writing on the topics of transition planning, leadership development, peer groups, and management.