Leadership Lessons from the Roundtable
Beef industry leaders share knowledge with collegiate members.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Feb. 6, 2015) — If the packed room of attentive college students is any indication, the future of the beef industry will be in good hands. The American National CattleWomen Inc. (ANCW) hosted a leadership roundtable during the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 4-7, 2015.
The group of industry leaders had a large wealth of knowledge in many aspects of the beef industry. Leaders included Kim Brackett, president of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board; Dave Daley, professor at California State University–Chico; Tammi Didlot, president of Select Force and past ANCW president; Jeff Fowle, rancher and founder of the AgChat Foundation; Craig Huffhines, transitioning from the executive vice president of the American Hereford Association to the executive vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association; Scott George, rancher and past National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) president; Chelsea Good, vice president of government & industry affairs for the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA); Lauren Neale director of communications for the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association; Forrest Roberts, NCBA CEO; and Kathy Simmons, chief veterinarian for NCBA.
While most advice was from individual experience, some major themes emerged during the roundtable discussion. Social media and digital communication can be a game changer for communication. For instance, Brackett said, the National Beef Checkoff Program communications campaign is completely digital in an effort to engage with younger consumers. However, with more digital communications, the value of personal communication actually increases, she said. Good added that social media is a tool that should back up or supplement personal relationships. Assume that people will see everything online, so be conscious of what is posted.
Granted, Neale said that social media can give a “sphere of influence through realms you don’t even know about” that may not be as possible through personal interactions. She gave the example of fellow leader Fowle. She had not met him in person before the roundtable, but she followed him on social media and respected his views and agricultural knowledge. If presented correctly and professionally, the influence of young agricultural advocates can be immense. That said, she advised, “Get rid of the junk. It detracts from the good messages.”
Huffines added that employers will look you up through digital means, so what do you want your first impression to be?
On leadership in the workplace, a good attitude was common advice. Daley noted that the agriculture industry needs what we’ve always had, and that is passionate, hard-working people.
Fowle added, “Every decision you make affects who you are or will be as a leader. Build on those decisions because all of them are relevant; they build your reputation.”
Work hard to earn respect regardless of title, and be a team player. Many leaders emphasized, never stop learning.
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