The Value of Job Descriptions
An important issue in strengthening human resources in family businesses is writing useful job descriptions. When you start to hire, the job description is important for two reasons: The process...
The Dispatch
Preparing for a Strategic Hire
By Davon Cook on December 21, 2015
Last month I wrote about the importance of continuing to professionalize your business. One of the typical decisions in this "upgrade" is filling a strategic position in the organization. For...
Going Pro
By Davon Cook on December 14, 2015
When people ask me what business I am involved in, I often answer, “I help ag businesses professionalize their operations.” Does that mean I assume our clients run inefficient or unprofessional...
Success with Key Non-Family Staff
By Davon Cook on December 7, 2015
If you have a non-family employee in a key managment role, have you intentionally thought about their influence and importance to your operation? Non-family team members can be good as gold if you'...
A Holiday Prayer for the Family Business
By Lance Woodbury on November 25, 2015
As we enter a holiday season with all its traditions and gatherings, let's begin it with a sincere expression of thanks for our families, family businesses and others who contribute to our lives....
Managing the Family-Work Mix at Holiday Time
By Davon Cook on November 24, 2015
Has this ever happened at your Thanksgiving table? Dinner starts off with a heartfelt prayer and joyful laughter. We compliment the food, inquire about the kids' activities, reminisce over a long...
Got Meetings?
By Davon Cook on November 16, 2015
A lot of our work with clients boils down to one topic: effective communication. This isn’t news to most of you, but it I consistently hear that message. You have so many things to manage every day,...
Failsafe Feedback
By Davon Cook on November 9, 2015
Early in my career, I worked in several corporate environments with extensive systems in place for giving employees feedback. The process that was most helpful for me was simple, and I've used it...
You Gotta Start Somewhere
By Davon Cook on October 26, 2015
I recently helped a business owner have a difficult conversation with a key employee. Prior to meeting he was anxious, having known for months it needed to happen. But afterward, he felt incredibly...
Work Elsewhere First
By Davon Cook on October 19, 2015
Are you planning for young family members to join your business, with the goal of an eventual management role? Do yourself, and them, a favor by requiring them to work elsewhere first - a minimum of...