Although managing people is not the same as managing cows, an interesting parallel can be drawn between the two roles that many dairy producers occupy. Sometimes, it seems like a good cow manager can virtually speak to the cows. He or she is aware of how the cows are producing and is quick to realize when one of them is struggling. As managers and owners of farms, do we take the same approach to managing employees? Are we interested in building a favorable work environment where workers are efficient and content? Penn State Dairy Extension Educator Ximena del Campo said in a recent article that the key to combating employee management challenges such as poor productivity and high employee turnover is communication and a positive employee culture. In her words, "a successful workplace culture includes a clear organizational mission, open lines of communication and culture."
Clarity and consistency are important in creating and maintaining those open lines of communication. The element of culture also factors into communication. Employees must feel comfortable enough in the work environment to bring questions and concerns to managers and employers. A democratic workplace is not always feasible or even ideal, but creating a culture that values employee input and develops their skills and interests can boost employee morale and reduce employee turnover.
Del Campo explains that a culture built on strong values, beliefs and behaviors begins with leadership. She says great leaders have the ability to "capitalize on the strengths of the team and know how to identify them."
Many of us, both employers and employees, have heard these principles before. They are not hard to comprehend, but they take time and commitment to achieve. Just like a good herdsman who checks in on his or her cows each day, we have to make an effort daily both to communicate and build positive relationships, or before we know it, we will be dealing with a business culture of downed cows.
The author was the 26th Hoard's Dairyman editorial intern. She is a senior at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. At KSU, Maggie is double majoring in agricultural communications and journalism and animal sciences and industry. Seiler grew up on a 130-cow registered Holstein dairy in Valley Center, Kan., near Wichita.
