The success of today’s dairy farms and dairy businesses depends on the ability of English- and Spanish-speaking managers to hire, develop, lead and inspire teams to work effectively and achieve business goals. The 2021 PDPW Dairy Managers Institute™ presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW) is a management-level program designed to strengthen managers’ core skills to take teams to new heights. The program will be held on Tues., Dec. 14, and Wed., Dec. 15, at Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
The two-tier program will be translated simultaneously in Spanish with tier one being facilitated by communications expert and business founder Becky-Stewart-Gross, PhD. Michael Hoffman, founder and owner of Igniting Performance, Inc.
“Historically, the dairy industry has not developed programs specifically for the ongoing professional growth of leaders and managers,” said Katy Schultz, dairy farmer from Fox Lake, Wis. and PDPW Board President. “With its two-tiered approach, the PDPW Dairy Managers Institute looks to change that so dairy leaders don’t have to build their own training programs.”
Stewart-Gross will lead tier one of the program with a focus on the fundamentals of leadership, the four categories of leaders, how to effectively implement change and strategies to identify their strengths and weaknesses as they lead and manage. Participants will also apply the five practices of effective leadership to their on-farm roles and learn to recognize the differences between managerial skills and those of a leader, as well as when to use which skills.
In tier two, Hoffmann will lead a “Positively Outrageous Service” session that will showcase how to instill a greater sense of ownership and involvement among team members while generating buy-in and commitment to an action plan. He’ll outline how to create strategic approaches around such management-coaching conversations as those involving change, milestones and setting expectations. He’ll also teach participants how to apply the coaching skills regarding self-esteem, listening skills and empathy, and the importance of involvement.
