Beef Tips

Category: Management Minute

Hiring the Right Person

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

Whether you are a small business with just a few employees or a larger enterprise with several employees, hiring the right person for a position is essential. Making a good hiring decision can inspire others and improve the operations productivity. The unfortunate truth is that the number of qualified applicants for most skilled position isn’t large “Good people are truly hard to find.” So what can you as a potential employer do to attract and hire the best person for a position? There are many thoughts on this topic. However, most experts agree that knowing what you are looking for and clearing stating the roles and responsibilities of the position is a great place to start. Applicants want/need to know what the expectations of the position are. Another point of consensus on the topic is to involve others in the hiring process. Allowing the candidates to interact with others in the organization through tours, or an informal dinner, can be great way to know whether a person is a good fit. An informal setting often allows an employer to gather more information about the applicant than the traditional interview questions can allow. People spend a great deal of time at work, thus co-workers, colleagues and the culture of the organization is important to both parties. Additionally, different people have different perspectives on the applicants, and usually there is some degree of consensus. Lastly, be prepared to move quickly with a competitive offer. The best people will usually have multiple opportunities.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

Customer Service… Wow that was Great

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

Good customer service is essential to any business or organization, having staff members who leave customers or anyone that encounters your business with that “wow that was great” feeling directly influences the bottom line. Customer service has become more important than ever as more consumers are purchasing goods without ever crossing the threshold of a traditional storefront. So how do we generate those feelings with someone on the phone or in a chat box? Let us start with the basics. What is customer service? Customer service is simply defined as the assistance provided by a company to those who purchase the goods or services it provides. Now on to the tough part, how do we as business or organization provide that assistance?

Susan Ward (www.thebalancesmb.com) offers a few simple things that businesses can do to improve their customer service experiences. First, answer the phone. Potential customers want to talk to a person and don’t want to leave a message. Second, don’t make promises you can’t keep. As the old saying goes “say what you are going to do and do what you said you were going to.” Third, listen. Simply listening to what a potential customer needs is important, there is nothing worse than listening to sales pitch for something you don’t want. Fourth, be helpful even if you don’t make the sale today. The service provided today has the potential to turn in to something much larger in the future. Fifth, train your staff to go the extra mile, by providing additional information about the product or other items commonly purchased with said goods. Lastly, empower your staff to offer something extra without asking permission, especially in those circumstances where the “customer is always right.”

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

March 2023: Management Minute

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., KSU Extension Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City, KS

“Agriculture and OSHA”

Agriculture is a high-risk industry, where “near misses,” accidents and even fatalities unfortunately occur. Many agriculture employers believe they are exempt from OSHA regulations and standards. However, agriculture does fall within the scope of OSHA per the “General Duty Clause” (Section 5.a.1., OSHA 1910), which states that “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” K-State will be hosting an OSHA-30 hour course for agriculture workers this spring. I would highly encourage anyone who is not familiar with OSHA and your role and responsibilities as an employer or supervisor to take an OSHA course. For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

February 2023: Management Minute

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Winter Safety”

January and February are historically some of the coldest months of the year in Kansas and often bring extreme weather conditions that can be challenging for agricultural workers that work in the elements. Falls, slips, and trips continue to be one of the leading causes of workplace injuries (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and although falls and slips can occur anytime, extra precautions are required during the winter months. Hypothermia is real, especially for those that work outside for extended periods. Safety experts suggest that clothing be worn in layers to retain body heat. However, how and what type of layers those clothes are made of is important. At least 3 layers is recommended, cotton or other breathable synthetic fiber should be the first or base layer. Wool or down is suggested for the middle layer, and the third or outer layer should be composed of material that will block the wind such as the nylon outer shell found on many ski-jackets.

Portable heaters are often used as heat sources in many shops and barns. Portable heaters are one of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning and structural fires. If heaters are used in confined spaces, always remember that ventilation is required to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, the areas where heaters are used should be checked for combustible materials and heaters should never be left unattended.

The U. S. Department of labor, OSHA website offers other tips and resources for working outside in the winter and may be accessed at https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather/preparedness.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

January 2023: Management Minute

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“What’s Your Why?”

The New Year is a great time for reflection. 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 embodies? 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 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 others. Why do we, do what we do?

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

December 2022: Management Minute

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Mental Health Misconceptions and the Holidays”

Life is busy and during the Holidays, life becomes even busier. Decorations, holiday shopping, parties, school programs, traveling to spend time with family etc. the list of events and items on the “to do” list or calendar can become exceptionally long. Yes, the holidays can be busy, and it is commonly believed that the holidays are associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. However, contrary to popular belief numerous studies have found no direct link between the holidays, depression, and suicide rates. The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reports that suicide rates are actually lowest in the months of November, December, January, and typically highest from April to August. Health experts attribute the lower suicide rates to the increase in emotional support from co‐workers, friends, and family during the holidays. This data also highlights the value of emotional support in mental health and suicide prevention during the rest of the year. For more information on the impact of the holidays on mental health and suicide, please see https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/holiday.html. In addition, Kansas State University Research and Extension has a number of resources available on stress management and suicide prevention at https://www.ksre.k‐state.edu/health/stress‐management/resources.html.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

November 2022: Management Minute

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Responsibility and Accountability – Who Opens the Gate?”

All organizations and businesses regardless of size struggle with clearly defining responsibilities and accountability in one way or another. There is an old saying “when everybody is responsible, nobody is responsible.” The underlying theme of this saying is that expectations or responsibilities must be clearly defined and communicated to be effective. Effectively communicating responsibility involves the following: 1). Determining who is responsible, 2). What they are responsible for, and 3). Confirming that they are willing to accept the stated responsibility. Agriculture offers some great examples of responsibility and accountability. In the livestock sector, if you are riding in the passenger seat of vehicle as you approach a gate it is your responsibility to open the gate. One could debate if the responsibility is effectively communicated (sometimes non‐verbal). Whose responsibility is it close the gate? The same person who opened the gate. Should the gate not get closed, and the livestock escape who is accountable for not closing the gate? The person who opened it.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

October 2022: Management Minute

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Managers Versus Leaders”

I recently came across an article that contrasted management and leadership (“Learning for future personal and business success” by Bob Milligan). Many of you, like myself, who always arrive at the most logical conclusion quickly are likely saying “a manager is a leader” and yes that is true. However, there is a difference between the roles and responsibilities of managers and leaders. Leaders give an organization direction. Leaders focus on the future by motivating individuals or groups of individuals. Managers tend to be less focused on the future, and more on the here and now. Managers organize, plan, budget, and ultimately implement the vision of the leader. Are you a leader or manager? Is it possible to be both? As organizations and businesses grow larger structure becomes more important because of the established fact that it is “hard to see tomorrow, when you are buried in today.”

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

September 2022- Management Minute

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Good Help is Hard to Find”

“Good help is hard to find” which alternatively means that the “good help we have is worth retaining.” I recently had a conversation with a colleague who is changing positions. As we discussed some of the challenges associated with the transition, from selling a house to placing children in a new school, I found myself considering why do good people leave positions, given the magnitude of the challenges associated with making a professional change. In some instances, people do get the opportunity to pursue their dream job. In other situations, life circumstances, such as children or being closer to family, are cited as common reasons. However, according to www.thebalancecareers.com the most common reason that people leave jobs is ultimately related to factors within the workplace, such as a bad boss or supervisor, lack of trust within the organization, failing to recognize the employee’s contributions or strengths, or the inability to use their skills. Many of these reasons come down to job satisfaction and creating an environment where people want to come to work. We spend roughly 1/3 of our day at work, so creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued and trust that supervisors and the organization cares about them can go a long way towards retaining the good help we have today.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

August 2022 Management Minute

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Are You a Manager or a Leader?”

I recently came across an article that contrasted management and leadership (“Learning for future personal and business success” by Bob Milligan). Many of you, like myself, who always arrive at the most logical conclusion quickly are likely saying “a manager is a leader” and yes, that is true. However, there is a difference between the roles and responsibilities of managers and leaders. Leaders give an organization direction. Leaders focus on the future by motivating individuals or groups of individuals. Managers tend to be less focused on the future and more on the here and now. Managers organize, plan, budget, and ultimately implement the vision of the leader. Are you a leader or a manager? Is it possible to be both? As organizations and businesses grow larger structure becomes more important because of the established fact that it is “hard to see tomorrow, when you are buried in today.”

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.