Creating the Winning Plan
WITH CLEAR STRATEGY, COLLABORATION AND AN OPEN MIND COMPANIES CAN MAKE SMALL STEPS FOR BIG WINS
By: Farm Bureau member Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Principal, Full Cup Solutions
Today, California farmers and ranchers are faced with an abundance of challenges, from unpredictable weather to increased legislation and beyond. Yet despite the uncertainties ahead, one thing remains a constant in the agricultural community: the will to succeed and to collaborate.
In this dynamic environment, it’s more important than ever to create a business plan and strategy that’s built for the future. Setting an ultimate goal, focusing on specific priorities, creating a detailed action plan that’s regularly communicated and evaluating success consistently is critical in staying laser-focused on goals and cultivating the success of others. Plotting out a manageable, methodical path to those goals makes big wins attainable, regardless of the size or scope of your organization.
Dugan Kelly riding Circle Back PC: Impulse Photography CLICK VIDEO TO WATCH DUGAN’S HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
But that’s missing in a lot of companies today, many of whom act reactively rather than proactively. Without a clear understanding of shared goals and markers of success, time and resources are being wasted. A recent study by the Harvard Business Review stated that 95% of employees were reported to be unclear on their company’s goals and needs. Another study by Forbes revealed that disengaged employees are currently costing their employers a whopping 34% of their salary.
Creating a winning plan is the same recipe, whether in sports, business or beyond, and
no one exemplifies this thinking in practice better than Dugan Kelly, one of the most accomplished champions in the sport of rodeo. A local cowboy and a first-generation roper, Dugan knows all about goal setting and creating what he calls a “winning spirit:” he is a seven-time NFR qualifier, a 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist (Cultural Olympics, Salt Lake City), a George Strait Winner and has achieved $1M in career winnings.
I had the pleasure of partnering with Dugan for a recent business strategy workshop, and was struck by how simply and effectively he communicated—and demonstrated—his own tips for success.
Dugan has used a similar goal-setting process since the age of 12, when he began roping. During an emotional speech, he spoke about the early days of his rodeo career, when he roped the dummy 100 times in a row every night before going to sleep. His mentor, the late California rodeo champion Mark Gomes, agreed to let him practice on live cattle once this goal had been met, thus launching his career. Dugan explained how he dreamed of becoming a champion, but focused each day on small, tangible goals which if practiced religiously, would eventually lead him to his ultimate goal. His quote of, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” resonated strongly with attendees.
Like me, Dugan is deeply invested in cultivating and motivating the talent of future generations. During our session, he demonstrated in practice all of the steps to success with my own nine-year old son, Cooper. Collaboration, Dugan said, means listening to people of all levels and perspectives (“You can learn something from everyone, but don’t learn everything from someone),” making sure everyone involved knows how their role impacts the overall plan and regular encouragement. Applying these practices, Dugan had virtually coached Cooper that summer as he learned to team rope, frequently reviewing video footage and providing feedback for small adjustments in technique.
Cooper Higgins and Dugan Kelly following an onstage coaching session PC: Doug Henry
With rope in hand, Cooper arrived on stage for a one-on-one session with the rodeo legend and was greeted with a warm handshake before they got to work. After a couple of practice loops, Dugan offered a few words of encouragement before he recommended a slight adjustment, first explaining the adjustment in clear detail, then slowly showing him the correct way, and then watching him once more. Dugan mentioned how important focusing on small adjustments are with any beginner and how when you put people in the “right spot,” they almost can’t do it wrong. After roping the dummy four times in a row, Kelly handed the young boy his brand-new rope and set a clear long-term goal, saying, “When you can rope it 100 times in a row, you can come rope with me at my house.”
Surmounting the challenges ahead and engaging the next generation—on which the future of agriculture is relying–may seem daunting at times. But by setting clear and manageable goals, encouraging participation and collaboration at every level and congratulating employees openly on a job well done, we’ll ensure that the winning spirit drives our business—and our teams—today and in the years to come.
Dugan Kelly represents WSR Insurance with a focus on Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Programs, which include the lack of rainfall for cattle ranchers and crop insurance for vineyards. He continues to use the “Winning Spirit” as he approaches each clients individual needs. For more information, go to www.wsrins.com, dugank@wrsins.com or (805) 459-1941
Spring 2023 Edition