Morrison’s People Solutions Manager Jeff Boian talks about the importance of team dynamics.
MELISSA DEEN
Learn more about Morrison’s Grant Administration, Bookkeeping, and Support Services Specialist Melissa Deen.
Gorrill Ranch’s roots stretch back more than 100 years when Ralph Gorrill, an engineer from the California Bay Area, was helping to build a Northern California highway between two small towns and became enamored with one particular stretch of land along the developing roadway. Soon after, parcels of this land, which had been owned by Stanford University, became available for sale. Ralph purchased the original home ranch bordering Butte Creek, thus founding R. Gorrill Ranch Enterprises in 1918 near rural Durham, California.
With rich agricultural soil and with Butte Creek running through the property, Ralph knew that this would be an ideal place for rice farming. In the early days of the ranch, Ralph leveraged his engineering skills to survey the land, leveling the ground a section at a time, and designing a gravityfed, water delivery system to provide irrigation to the ranch. This innovative irrigation design quickly earned Ralph a reputation as a pioneer in the rice industry, and many of his original engineering projects are still in operation on the ranch today.
generation member of the Gorrill family. The ranch currently farms rice (both medium and short-grain) and orchard crops, including almonds, walnuts, and pecans, and maintains their own rice dryer.
In addition to the commitment to farming and food production, the ranch continues to honor Ralph’s legacy by stewarding the land with sustainable farming practices and by participating in programs to support the local ecosystem and wildlife. These efforts include partnering with state and federal agencies to provide wetland habitat for migratory water fowl, preserving 40 acres of natural habitat for deer, turkeys, beavers, and more, and helping to restore local spring-run salmon populations with the Butte Creek Fish Passage Project. Gorrill contributed to this project by completing the Gorrill Fish Screen and Ladder Project in 1999, which helped to restore 25 miles of unimpeded flows for the salmon, resulting in over 10,000 regularly returning adult salmon (up from only a few hundred in the early 1990s).
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When Ralph passed away in 1964, farming operations continued under the stewardship of his three daughters, Sally, Anne, and Jane. These three sisters remained at the helm for several decades, and it was under their leadership that the ranch began to diversify into orchard crops.
Gorrill Ranch remains a 100% familyowned business to this day, owned by more than 20 members of the third, fourth, and fifth generation, and is led by Managing Partner Correen Nichols-Davis, a fourth
Gorrill Ranch has a strong team to manage the ranch, dryer, and equipment maintenance shop, but they had found it challenging to find part-time assistance to manage the financial operations. Their needs were not significant enough to require a full-time CFO or Controller, but they still needed help with monthly accounting closes, preparing quarterly financial reports and annual crop profitability reports for board meetings, and assisting with annual budget preparation. Gorrill’s Managing Partner and
CONTINUED ON INSIDE RIGHT PANEL
Achieving organizational success is rarely about the capabilities of individuals alone. Instead, success increasingly hinges on effective team dynamics. Team dynamics refer to the behavioral relationships between members of a team, the ways they interact, and the shared sense of purpose that drives them forward. When teams work well together, they create a multiplier effect, amplifying each member’s talents and delivering results greater than what any one person could achieve alone. Positive team dynamics are essential to building a resilient, profitable, and competitive company.
Team dynamics have a significant impact on company finances in both direct and indirect ways. Strong team dynamics can improve efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness, while poor team dynamics often lead to miscommunication, inefficiencies, and higher turnover costs.
Effective team dynamics streamline workflows and reduce redundancies. When a team functions well, members communicate openly and coordinate effectively, leading to faster and more accurate project completions. A cohesive team can reduce time-tomarket functions by quickly addressing challenges and ensuring everyone is aligned on key decisions. This operational efficiency not only saves time but also conserves resources, thus reducing costs.
Consider a project that runs behind schedule due to poor team coordination. Additional labor costs, delayed revenues, and higher operational expenses may arise. On the other hand, teams with positive dynamics can complete projects on schedule, if not ahead of time, positively impacting revenue projections and expense management. The financial implications of time savings and cost containment are immense, and businesses with well-aligned teams generally demonstrate stronger profit margins and better cash flow management.
Turnover is a costly issue for businesses. When team dynamics are poor, employees are more likely to leave due to dissatisfaction, stress, or lack of support. A toxic workplace can lead to increased
turnover rates, which result in significant recruiting, hiring, and training costs.
Conversely, companies that prioritize positive team dynamics tend to have lower turnover rates. Employees are more likely to stay in an environment where they feel respected, supported, and connected to their colleagues. When employees stay longer, they bring continuity and improve productivity, thus minimizing recruitment costs. This financial stability benefits the bottom line, allowing the company to reinvest resources that would otherwise go to hiring and training.
Good team dynamics also reduce risk in decision-making processes. When team members collaborate and feel comfortable challenging ideas, they are more likely to identify potential pitfalls before decisions are made. For example, in a team responsible for managing the company’s financial investments, collaborative dynamics ensure that potential financial risks are vetted. With diverse perspectives and an open environment, teams can mitigate risk, preventing costly errors that impact financial health.
In the realm of Human Resources (HR), team dynamics play a critical role in creating a positive work culture, improving employee engagement, and fostering talent retention. Though HR departments are not solely responsible for shaping team dynamics, they are often at the forefront, as they implement policies, training programs, and initiatives that encourage healthy collaboration and effective communication.
One of HR’s primary goals is to cultivate a positive work culture. Work culture, shaped largely by team dynamics, is a driving factor behind employee engagement and morale. In a company where team members respect and support one another, employees are more likely to feel valued and committed to their work. According to Gallup, companies with high employee engagement experience a 21% increase in profitability and a 17% increase in productivity. This engagement stems from employees feeling part of a team that shares common goals, values, and a sense of trust.
Good team dynamics create a culture of openness and respect, where employees feel they can contribute ideas and have their voices heard. This inclusivity boosts morale and helps employees find purpose in their work, resulting in lower absenteeism and increased commitment. In contrast, poor team dynamics can lead to a toxic workplace, where misunderstandings, conflicts, and low morale can lead to disengagement and burnout.
An important, but often overlooked aspect of the work conducted by HR is that of investing in training and development to ensure employees have the skills necessary for their roles. When team dynamics are strong, learning and collaboration can be natural byproducts. Employees are more likely to share knowledge, mentor one another, and seek opportunities for upskilling. This internal collaboration reduces reliance on external hires, as team members grow and develop within the organization.
For example, in cross-functional teams, employees from different departments bring unique skills and perspectives. Effective team dynamics encourage knowledge sharing, leading to innovative solutions that an individual department might not achieve alone.
Conflict is inevitable in any organization, but positive team dynamics can reduce the frequency and intensity of disputes. When employees trust and respect one another, they can address disagreements constructively, focusing on solutions rather than personal grievances. By fostering such dynamics, HR can create an environment that prioritizes well-being and minimizes stress, leading to healthier, happier employees.
Team dynamics influence employee well-being by creating a supportive and safe work environment. When employees know they can rely on their teammates, they experience less anxiety and stress, which contributes to better mental health. HR’s role in promoting team dynamics directly impacts well-being, which ultimately improves overall productivity and reduces costs related to employee burnout and healthcare.
Sales and marketing teams rely heavily on collaboration, communication, and alignment of goals to achieve business objectives. Strong team dynamics within and between these departments can be the deciding factor in a company’s ability to attract, retain, and grow its customer base.
One of the key roles of marketing is to establish a brand identity that resonates with customers. Sales teams rely on this branding to communicate with customers, creating a cohesive experience. However, when marketing and sales teams operate in silos with poor dynamics, the message communicated to the customer can become inconsistent, leading to confusion and mistrust.
Good team dynamics enable close collaboration between sales and marketing, ensuring that both departments align on messaging and customer experience. This alignment creates a seamless journey from initial brand awareness to final purchase, enhancing the customer experience and fostering brand loyalty. Companies with well-aligned sales and marketing teams have been shown to achieve significantly higher marketing revenue than those without alignment, emphasizing the importance of effective team dynamics.
In sales, strong team dynamics create a support network that allows team members to strategize and tackle challenges together. Salespeople often face high-pressure environments, where
they must meet ambitious targets. In a supportive team, sales representatives are more likely to share insights, learn from one another, and collaborate on best practices for customer relationship management.
When teams work cohesively, they can better serve customers, understand their needs, and address concerns promptly. This proactive approach enhances customer satisfaction and leads to higher retention rates. A well-coordinated team builds trust with customers, as they experience a consistent, responsive, and knowledgeable service. In contrast, poorly coordinated sales teams may struggle to keep up with customer inquiries or deliver on promises, resulting in lost customers and reduced sales.
The market landscape is constantly changing, and successful companies are those that adapt quickly. Team dynamics in sales and marketing directly influence a company’s ability to innovate and respond to these changes. Sales teams on the front line gain valuable insights into customer needs and competitor strategies, while marketing teams track trends and opportunities. Strong dynamics foster open communication, allowing sales and marketing to share information that can lead to timely adjustments in product offerings, promotional campaigns, or customer engagement tactics.
For instance, if the sales team identifies an emerging customer need, marketing can respond with targeted content or product adaptations. This agility can provide a significant competitive edge, allowing the company to stay ahead of trends and address customer demands before competitors do.
For any business seeking sustained success, investing in the quality of team dynamics is not optional; it is essential. With a focus on strategy and planning, along with a human-centered approach to talent development, Morrison is equipped to help your organization to improve and enhance your company’s team dynamics. For more information, please contact us as (530) 893-4764.
While Morrison’s Manager of People Solutions, Jeff Boian, has never been much of a culinary expert in the actual kitchen, he is consistently chopping it up with our clients to work through a buffet of options in order to craft their culture-guiding mission statements. If you happen to be in need of such a recipe, feel free to contact him at jboian@morrisonco.net.
General Manager reached out to Morrison in Summer of 2012 to discuss their needs, and Morrison has worked with them as their fractional Controller ever since.
Over the years, Gorrill’s needs have evolved, as they do with any business, and Morrison has adapted to and met those needs at every turn. As different opportunities have arisen, Morrison has assisted with cash flow projections and IRR (internal rate of return) analysis for various investment decisions (including potential property purchases, orchard redevelopments, and solar installation) to ensure that these important decisions were in alignment with the strategic planning goals implemented by Gorrill’s board.
In recent years, Gorrill also decided to take daily bookkeeping tasks, such as accounts payable and accounts receivable, off of their Office Manager’s plate to allow her to focus on managing ranch employees, coordinating with vendors and marketers, and managing the rice dryer shipping logistics, enabling those key business functions to operate smoothly. Morrison’s bookkeeping team seamlessly pays bills, deposits checks, and keeps Gorrill’s accounting records up to date.
Gorrill has also utilized Morrison’s recruiting services to help fill key positions, including Operations and General Manager positions, and find candidates who not only have the skills to do the job, but also the values and work ethic to match Gorrill’s company culture. With their management team firmly in place, Gorrill can confidently plan for the future as Ralph’s legacy is passed down to the next generation. Morrison is honored to have served Gorrill Ranch for so many years and to continue to play a role in the ranch’s success going forward.
Morrison team members traveled to Napa to help our clients Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation prepare for their largest fundraiser of the year-Harvest STOMP. It was a fun way to support our clients and their amazing work.
Jessica, Sandra, Sarah, and Regan donned their best 1920’s attire to attend Morrison client Chico Area Recreation & Park District’s Gala held at the Lakeside Pavilion in Chico. The evening’s purpose was a fundraiser for CARD’s new aquatic and recreation center.
The Morrison Team continued our tradition of volunteering for the annual Run for Food’s packet pickup. During the week of Thanksgiving, our team helped runners collect their race bibs and packets at the local Fleet Feet. With approximately 5,000 registered participants, the 5K supports our client The Jesus Center.
Michelle Genova, Morrison’s Grant Administration & Bookkeeping Consultant, was one of the honorees who received the 2024 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Charles L. Roff Award in early November at the 83rd annual meeting. The award encourages members of the committee to improve their local chapter while strengthening the Farm Bureau organization.
A handful of our Morrison team members attended the annual Farm City Celebration Agri-business Bus Tour. The tour began at the Chico State University Farm and went on to visit five local farms and agri-businesses to learn about the importance of agriculture to the local community before returning to the University Farm for a delicious barrel-roasted chicken lunch.
Melissa Deen serves Morrison clients with grant administration services and support, deadline compliance, adherence to program requirements, project reporting, and reimbursement requests. Additionally, Melissa assists the Morrison team with scheduling, client onboarding, client service activities, and outreach efforts. Melissa brings 10 years of administration, organization, communication, and bookkeeping experience to the Morrison team with a passion to effectively meet our clients' needs.
Prior to joining Morrison, Melissa worked as an executive assistant at Women’s Resource Clinic in Chico where she was initially responsible for accounts receivable and administration. Melissa excelled in her position and was appointed director of development, overseeing the organization's fundraising, planned events, donor relationships, and sponsorship program. Additionally, she has enjoyed lending her skills as a bookkeeper to two churches in the local community and substituting long-term as an office manager at her son’s school.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN CHICO, CA?
The amazing access to beautiful parks and outdoor activities and the small town feel with big town perks (like Costco and Trader Joe’s!)
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES?
I love reading, playing games, hiking and outdoor walks, and quality time with friends and family.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN THE FUTURE?
Being a grandma! I had two of the best grandmas, and they have influenced me and helped shape me in ways I didn’t really appreciate until they had passed. What a gift to feel so completely loved by someone. Since my oldest child is just 15, we have some time to wait.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRADITION?
Every year at Christmas I host a cousin sleepover with my kids and all of my nieces and nephews. We eat breakfast for dinner, go look at Christmas lights, everyone sleeps in the living room together, and we watch a Christmas movie.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING AT MORRISON?
The amazing atmosphere that has been cultivated by our leaders and team has been the biggest blessing. The professionalism, respect for one another and our clients, and general attitude of humility and service of each team member is unmatched in any other experience I have had.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION?
The best vacation I have ever had was in Kauai. Hiking in the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and swimming in waterfalls was incredibly magical. Beautiful island with beautiful people. But our most beloved family camping destination is Patrick’s Point in Humboldt County. The North Coast is always a great getaway during the hot Chico summers.
My babies. I have a 15-year-old daughter Abigail, 14-year-old son Nathan, 11-yearold son Zack, and 8-year-old daughter Everly. I am overjoyed at the privilege of getting to raise these beautiful, intelligent, kind and loving kiddos.
1385 Ridgewood Drive
Chico, CA 95973
The Morrison Client Corner is a regular feature of our newsletter. Here, you’ll find updates on what a number of our clients are up to, their achievements and milestones, and the generally great things happening in their companies or organizations.
Sierra Gold Nurseries–a 74-year-old commercial fruit and nut tree nursery, serving orchardists throughout the western United States–welcomed Elizabeth Massie to the company in July 2024 as their new Chief Financial Officer through a recruitment process led by Morrison. Elizabeth has a strong history of serving in finance and accounting positions for both farming and branded food products companies and holds a Master of Business Administration degree. Welcome Elizabeth!
If you’re a client of ours, we’d love to stay up to date with what is going on within your organization and invite you to share your highlights in this space. Feel free to send any press releases, newsletters, or happenings to Hana Dill at hdill@morrisonco.net.
Farmers’ Rice Cooperative honored the Weller Family as their Farm Family of the Year at its Annual Grower Meeting in November, with the Wellers recognized for their longevity in the industry, as well as their innovative launch of Farmers Brewing Co., which is bringing farm-toglass beer to customers in the Western United States.
California Heritage Mills–a family-owned grower, miller, and packer of premium Northern California grown medium and short grain rice–welcomed Matt Doyle to the company as their new Chief Executive Officer, as longtime CEO and CFO Steve Sutter transitions to retirement. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has 20+ years of experience working in high level positions within food and agriculture. Congrats Matt!