There is much talk these days about polarization. Agriculture is no exception. Whether it be on production methods, product branding, breed preference, or “Beyond” meats, the list goes on. We seem to get entrenched in our position and have difficulty seeing another’s viewpoint. Concepts used in major negotiations apply to both small and large conflicts. […] Read more
VIDEO: Getting to Yes
Depth of Field with Kelly Sidoryk
VIDEO: What’s your true colour?
Depth of Field with Kelly Sidoryk
Figuring out what makes others tick, as well as ourselves, is likely to be a lifelong pursuit. Logically, I know that others do not see things in the same way as I do. But in reality, that is a reoccurring lesson. In a recent workshop on personality styles, it occurred to me that what is […] Read more
VIDEO: Stockmanship and human relationships
Kelly Sidoryk on getting yearlings used to moving through the corrals and chute. For cattle people in North America, Bud Williams was widely known for his low-stress livestock handling ability. So much so, that the square pen at the end of a lead-up alley is commonly referred to as a “Bud box.” He had a […] Read more
Relationships support transition planning
There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself when transitioning to the next stage
Continuing with the succession planning or transitioning theme, along with a major milestone birthday, I can’t help but reflect from my senior generation position — even though I can hardly believe that is now my vantage point. In his book The Legacy Spectrum, Mark A. Weber stresses, as I have also done, that the process […] Read more
Retirement reimagined
When considering the succession plans for our operations it seems we often focus on setting the stage and paving the way for those entering the business and taking over. Often we overlook the exit. Retirement is not the best word in my mind. Perhaps we should call it a redirection of energy, refocus or gear […] Read more
Working between the generations
Life stage is important and not necessarily reflective of age
If there is anything that reveals the chasm between the generations these days, I think it has got to be technology. When sharing the stories of acquiring the first cell phone (it was in a bag), I realized that was just before our middle daughter was born. In 1994. Sociologists studying human behaviour and interaction […] Read more
Decisions, decisions, decisions
These seven questions can help guide you to better decision-making
If there has ever been a time of information overload, today would qualify. As we try to navigate through today’s challenges, an emphasis on or improvement in decision-making can be a good addition to the management tool box. Holistic management is often described as a decision-making framework. After setting a shared goal/vision, these seven testing […] Read more
Finding ways to bring people together
Put a plan in place for both your family and non-family teams
As we continue in yet another year of the pandemic, it seems that there are even more instances of topics and situations that continue to divide us. Looking for new ways to navigate through the coming months with respect and creativity is important. Those of us in agriculture represent two per cent of the population. […] Read more
Change management
Succession of the family business to the next generation is a major change
“Times they are a-changing. Of course times always change but in this period of rapid technological advancement and information accessibility, the change occurs even more quickly and on a larger scale. Change is a part of everyday life. To be successful and progressive we must welcome that change. It no longer works to do things […] Read more
Managing your time
Time is precious. Are you using it wisely?
Years ago at a conference, I participated in a world time clock exercise. Significant global events were mapped out on a straight line and participants stood on each of the spots and popped balloons in keeping with the occurrence of the major events. It was clear that much had happened in the last couple of […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
