Whether it’s football, baseball, or dairy farming, winning teams all share a common trait: well-defined roles. Like in sports, where every player knows their position and responsibilities, dairy operations thrive when each team member understands their role within the farm.
From calf feeders and milkers to herd managers and owners, every team member on the farm not only understands their role but also recognizes the impact they have on the operation’s success. This shared understanding is what transforms a group of individuals into a winning team.
According to Jordan Birnbaum, a psychologist with Psychology Today, successful sports teams have three clear roles: players, coaches, and general managers. He points out that businesses—and farms—can learn a lot from this model by clearly defining responsibilities, skill sets, and growth opportunities at every level of the organization. Here’s how these roles translate to your farm:
Players – Similar to athletes in sports, dairy employees are the ones on the front lines, executing the day-to-day game plan, and adjusting in real-time to meet the needs of the farm. Their hard work, quick thinking, and commitment to the tasks at hand are what keep the operation running smoothly.
“The players have the largest effect on the games, which is why they are the stars,” Birnbaum notes. “Successful players are achievement-oriented and are defined by their talent and character.” On the farm, this translates to employees who bring both skill and dedication to their roles. Recognizing and celebrating their efforts is crucial because when you value your employees, they feel connected to the farm’s goals, leading to a more motivated and productive team.
Coaches – The “coaches” of your operation are often the herd managers and team leaders who help guide and shape the performance of the entire operation. Just as sports coaches develop strategies and support their players, these leaders work to bring out the best in each team member, building their skills and guiding them through challenges.
By understanding each person’s strengths and encouraging them to reach their full potential, these managers play a pivotal role in driving the success of the operation. As Birnbaum explains, “Coaches build the game plan, guide in-game performance, and develop the players through practice throughout the season. The coaches have the largest effect on the performance of the players.” Effective coaching on the farm leads to a more engaged workforce and stronger results across the board.
General managers - In the sports world, general managers and executives are responsible for building the team, hiring coaches, and crafting long-term strategies. Their role is similar to that of farm owners or senior management, who focus on the bigger picture of the operation. They’re the strategists who think ahead, plan for future growth, and ensure that the right people are in place to lead the farm to success.
Although their day-to-day impact on the farm’s immediate tasks might be small, their influence on the overall direction and strategy of the operation is immense. They analyze the farm’s performance, make decisions to address challenges, and look for opportunities to strengthen the team and improve efficiency. While they might not be directly involved in the daily grind, their vision and planning set the foundation for the farm’s long-term success.
A Winning Model
For a dairy farm to be its best, it needs the right mix of skilled workers (the “players”), strong leaders (the “coaches”), and big-picture thinkers (the “general managers”). Just like a winning sports team, when everyone on the farm knows their role and feels appreciated, the work goes smoother, the team adapts quicker, and the whole operation becomes more successful.
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