Creating a thriving work environment isn’t just about productivity; it’s about fostering a culture that benefits both employees and the business. Jared Dueppengiesser from Proterra Genetics emphasizes the significance of having the right person to manage people on your farm, a concept he shared during the 2024 Milk Business Conference in Las Vegas. Here are some invaluable insights he provides based on his experience as a former herd manager at Rosendale Dairy, part of the MilkSource LLC.
Finding the Right People Manager
One of the most crucial steps in cultivating a positive culture on your farm is identifying who will drive that change.
“You need to figure out who is going to be the driver of the culture on your farm,” Dueppengiesser says. By selecting someone adept at managing people, owners can shift their teams’ focus and engagement, leading to a more cohesive and motivated workforce.
Communicating the ‘Why’
Day-to-day operations often consume owners, leaving the why behind actions unexplained. Dueppengiesser stresses the importance of training and explaining tasks thoroughly to employees: “Are we focusing and really explaining to employees why we are doing this, and what’s the importance of the task?” Understanding the rationale behind their duties helps employees connect with their work and the company’s goals.
Feedback and Positive Reinforcement
Employees thrive on constructive feedback. Dueppengiesser suggests beginning with positive reinforcement.
“I tried to always start with something positive that they were doing really well and then focus on something they can learn and do better,” he says.
Consistent feedback not only enhances performance but also fosters a sense of worth and motivation among the team.
Cultivating Open Communication
Efforts to change culture take time and strategy. Dueppengiesser advocates for openness to ideas and feedback from employees. He highlights, “It is essential to figure out how you can open the door to make sure that the line of communication is open for all your employees.” An open-door policy encourages employees to share ideas, fostering innovation and improvement.
Prioritizing Employee Engagement
Building relationships with employees is vital. Dueppengiesser recommends engaging with employees first thing in the morning rather than pushing interactions to later, potentially forgotten moments. Spending an hour or more in the barn or parlor for brief but meaningful conversations can make a significant impact. Understanding your employees beyond their work, getting to know their families and hobbies, strengthens the team dynamic.
“I really just tried to focus on learning a lot more about each and every employee, and it really changed the way that they saw our relationship,” he shares about his approach.
It’s important to demonstrate that the relationship extends beyond business metrics; it involves genuine care for their well-being as individuals.
Creating a positive farm culture requires empathy, openness and strategic communication. Identifying the right people manager, articulating the purpose of tasks and prioritizing employee engagement are key steps in this transformation. By doing so, farm owners can not only enhance productivity but also build a workplace where both employees and the business can thrive.
Your Next Read:
A Blueprint for Building Effective Leadership in Dairy Management
