K-State Research and Extension

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.

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.

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.

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Just the Good Stuff”

I recently came across an interesting statistic attributed to the Gallup organization that suggests that 75% of us are at some level of disengagement with life. That essentially means that 25% of those surveyed were satisfied (happy) with where they were at in life.

Does this carry over into the workplace? Absolutely.

Clint Swindall of Verbalocity Inc., a personal development company, breaks it down a bit further. “There are three types of people in an organization: 32 percent who are engaged, 50 percent who are disengaged, and 18 percent who are actively disengaged. The actively disengaged people are called the “Oh No’s” because they dread being asked to work. The engaged people are called the “Oh Yes’s” because they will do whatever is asked of them with enthusiasm no matter what the task is.”

As humans it is really easy for us to get caught up in the negativity around us. Let’s face it…it is really difficult for most of us (75%) to see the opportunity in each situation whether it is in our professional or personal life. What do you discuss at work or at home at the dinner table? The good stuff that happens during your day or the things that could have been better.

So, the bigger question is “What do we do about it?” Clint Swindall suggests that we replace the traditional greeting of “How are you?” with “Tell me something good.” I can assure you that you will receive some really odd looks the first time you try it. However, some people will be more than willing to share something good about what is going on at work or at home. It will take some time, but maybe some of those “Oh No’s” will become “Oh Yes’s” in the workplace.

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

Justin Waggone, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Agriculture and OSHA”

Agriculture is a high-risk industry, where “near misses,” accidents, and even fatalities unfortunately occur. I recently hosted and participated in a 30-hour Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general industry course. One of the major takeaways I gained from this course was that agriculture is not exempt from OSHA regulations. Many agriculture employers (both large and small) erroneously 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 a 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.” 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. There is a wealth of information and resources available online at https://www.osha.gov/.

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

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“How Do You Evaluate New Technology?”

Technology is everywhere, even in agriculture.

I am continually surprised by the number of operations that don’t use established technologies with well‐ documented, positive economic returns. These are successful operations, and thus I often leave the conversation thinking, “This is a good operation, how good could they be if?” On the other end of the spectrum are operations that have implemented multiple new technologies. Some technologies resulted in positive managerial and economic outcomes, and some did not.

As a manager, what is your attitude toward technology? Do you critically evaluate new technology or do you dismiss new technologies with excuses like “that’s probably too expensive” or “that won’t work here” without any further evaluation?

Evaluating new technology is difficult, but technology isn’t going away. Thus, the ability to critically evaluate, implement and assess new technologies will become an increasingly important skill of a successful manager.

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