Learning To Manage People Is A Leap Forward For Dairies UNIVERSITY PARK (Cent re Co.) Learning to manage people is a process that takes time and prac tice, but it’s best to spend that time practicing tech niques that are proven and will work when mastered. The trial and error approach to human resource man agement leads to years of disappointment, family strife, and high employee turnover rates. Managers who first learn the principles of effective human re source management take a giant leap toward business success. Brian Craig, dairy manager at Murmac Farms in Centre County, took his giant leap forward by attend ing Penn State Dairy Alliance’s course Management Essentials for Dairy Success (MEDS). It was in this course that Craig says he found him self as a manager. “I learned certain techniques that I could use to become more effective with people,” he said. He uses those techniques to better understand the twelve people he supervises. The result is a positive work en vironment where he can better communicate with his people and help them to improve at their jobs. Craig goes on to say, “I’ve learned not to be a hard charger all the time. I take an interest in my people and show that I care about them as individuals.” iping The price of heifer calves is out of this world. Keep your calves in this world Use the Impro Opti-Start/Opti-Care Calf Program Give Your Cows a Helping Hand... Boost Immune System Shed Down Infection Use IMPRO GEL-CAP FORMULA Impro offers free milk culture service. Help diagnose specific treatment for problem cows. pc() approved _■ 1 YOUR SOURCE FOR ALL NATURAL SBHMr * ANIMAL HEALTH SUPPORT AARON GROFF & SON LLC Cl (tFW 103 Clearview Drive Ephiata, PA. 17522 (717) 354-4631 (800) 468-4909 Ray K. Espenshade Carl Delbert Lewisburg, Pa Bedford, Pa. (570) 524-7566 (8 14) 623-6443 Carl Close Country Garden Farm Supply Glen Rock, Pa. Mifflinburg, Pa. (71 7) 235-2730 (570) 966-3944 Two of the key concepts that MEDS teaches are or ganization and delegation. Many dairy managers struggle to assign responsibility to others because they are uncertain of the worker’s ability. They find it diffi cult to move away from the role of hands-on worker to the role of coach and supervisor. When managers retain a strictly hands-on style, they prevent others from developing into their true potential. MEDS teaches managers how to create work condi tions that lead to improved performance. Participants learn about obstacles to performance and how to remove them. The objective is to help managers grow and develop in their supervisory role, so that they in turn can help their people to develop. Craig applied these concepts to his own manage ment responsibilities at Murmac Farms. His responsi bilities include herd health, cow comfort, housing, parlor operations, and milk quality control. “I’ve better organized myself and the people I’m re sponsible for,” he said. “I try not to get tied up with any one individual during the day. I delegate responsi bility and encourage people to take the initiative and achieve. We are all more productive and satisfied be cause I let my people take an active role in getting Weaverline Battery Powered Feed Carts Hydrostatic Drive and Stainless Steel For more information, contact your local dealer. Weaverlirie LLC Churchtown, Pa Phone 717-445-6724 (Turn to Page 41)
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