Business Management Advice
When it comes right down to it, common sense works best.

Wouldn’t it be easy if all the great management consultants published a single Top Ten List of brilliant new management ideas every year on the front page of The Wall Street Journal? Then we could all follow those tips and improve our business results. The funny thing is we already know so many of the great management tips.

Acknowledge each employee

As your business grows, you may start adding “middle managers.” While staying in contact with your parlor manager or field supervisor is important to your bottom line, remember the people that are cutting the lumber or picking the strawberries, too. They are just as important to your bottom line, and they deserve your recognition.

Ask all employees for ideas

Avoid relying on a selected few for their thoughts. Everyone wants to be part of the “inner circle,” so the next time you say “hello” to your milkers, for example, mention that you are considering an expansion and you are looking for creative ideas to ensure the project’s success.

Keep lines of communication open

Does your dairy team know what your crop team is doing? Employees in all areas will appreciate a rundown of current and upcoming projects from other areas of the business. A more thorough understanding of the entire operation will help them be better employees, too.

Hold periodic team meetings

Meet regularly with employees to solicit their ideas. Let them know they are important to your business. Buy pizza or snacks. One person should be in charge of the meeting, and hand out an agenda to keep the meeting focused.

Offer small rewards

A thank-you note in a paycheck or a gift certificate to a local restaurant can go a long way to making employees feel valued.

For more information, contact us at info@farmcreditwny.com today!

• How to be a better risk manager.
• Building a business plan.
• Who needs a consultant?
• Financial Solutions - improve management.
  

© 1999-2005 Farm Credit of Western New York, ACA. All rights reserved.