“What’s Your Organization About?”
by Justin W. Waggoner, beef systems specialist
Have you ever given any thought to what your organization, farm, feedlot or
operation is really about? Do you have a mission statement, a set of core values that you believe your organization or operation em
bodies? Previously, I used to think that mission statements and core value statements were idealistic and a waste of thought. However, my attitude has changed. These statements provide the organization with a foundation, a clear objective that serves to guide the organization as it makes decisions
that hopefully move the organization forward into the future. Regardless of the size of the enterprise, putting some thought into what an organization or business is really about has value. These statements do not have to be long
or dramatic. I recently visited family livestock operation in which the sign on the
front lawn (along a major highway) simply said “Our Family Feeding Yours”. This simple statement tells everyone that drives by that this is a family operation that is foremost engaged in the process of sustaining not only themselves but other people. Why do we do what we do?
The other aspect of evaluating the purpose and objective of the operation is that
once we have identified what our purpose is. We can hopefully foster an environment among the leaders and employees based on that central purpose or ideal. The tough part comes when an effective leader comes to the realization that people or aspects of the organizations policies conflict with the mission or core values statements. What then? Well it may be time for that dreaded word C-H-A-N-G-E.
