Summer 2022

IN THIS ISSUE:

MORRISON CELEBRATES LEADERSHIP COACHING

TWENTY YEARS

A necessary tool for your organization’s long-term success, leadership coaching is a growing approach to team development

Surrounded by clients and colleagues who

Founder and Principal Brent Morrison,

and offers many benefits for long-term

have supported us for the past twenty

Morrison Managing Principal Toni Scott,

success.

years, the Morrison team was honored

and Morrison Principal Ana Klein shared

to celebrate our 20th anniversary in June

memories of Morrison’s client engagements,

and commemorate two successful decades

with special thanks to Sunsweet Growers

in business.

Inc. for being a client who has been with

Sharing

in

appetizers

and

cocktails

featuring our beloved clients—including among others Blue Diamond Growers, Stepladder Creamery, Five Marys Farms, Almendra

Winery

and

Distillery,

and

Mooney Farms—more than 150 guests joined our team to recount highlights of

GETTING TO KNOW ANA KLEIN Learn more about Ana Klein, Morrison’s

the past 20 years and to look forward to the future of the company.

us since day one! The team also recognized the incredible growth of Morrison the last several years (now boasting 16 team members and counting!) and shared the company’s plans for the future, which includes a new 5,000+ square foot office space to accommodate our growing team and clientele (pictured above).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

newest Principal, leading our Business and Accounting Advisory practice line.

CLIENT CORNER There is always something new happening, so catch up on the latest news from our clients and colleagues!

WWW.MORRISONCO.NET

NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2022

LEADERSHIP COACHING NECESSARY FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION’S LONG-TERM SUCCESS The familiar line “Put me in coach, I’m ready

In more recent years, other disciplines and

be able to think of something impactful.

to play” was sung long ago by musician

professional areas have started to attach

However, when you ask people if they can

John Fogerty as part of his popular song

the word coach to their work. There are

think of a positive experience they have had

“Centerfield”. Whether the listener was a

now reading coaches, life coaches, acting

as an adult—specifically in the workplace—

baseball fan or simply thought the tune

coaches, happiness coaches, and even birth

where someone came alongside them and

was catchy, the song has stayed popular

coaches. The Merriam Webster’s definition

coached them in something, you’ll likely

to this day.

of coach is “one who instructs or trains.”

receive a vastly different response, and not

Take that definition and couple it with the

always one for the better.

Fogerty’s song may not be the first thing you think of when you think of the word ‘coach’ but it was amongst the top things that came

aforementioned types of coaches, and the combinations start to make more sense.

Why is that? Why does it seem that once we “graduate” into adulthood and enter the

to mind when penning this article. Regardless

Similar to how Fogerty’s song is fondly

working world, the concept (and importance)

of whether you are a sports fan or not, the idea

remembered by many, the idea of a

of coaching others seems to be diminished?

of a coach is one that is familiar with most

childhood coach is something that often

Well, it’s likely for many reasons, but one

everyone. Coaches are individuals that come

sticks with individuals as having made a

main reason is that adults can easily neglect

alongside [typically] younger, less developed

positive impact. If you ask people if they

to remember the importance of coming

or accomplished individuals and help them

can think of a positive experience they had

alongside colleagues and direct reports to

to become more developed, more skilled, and

growing up where someone came alongside

coach them into success due to the vast

more accomplished in their sport of choice. At

them and coached them in something—

number of responsibilities that seem to pull

least this is the typical understanding of what

sports,

them in multiple directions.

a coach is and what a coach does.

school,

life—most

people

will

Okay, so adults are busy and neglect to focus

Additionally,

on coaching employees. That can’t really be

emphasis on the development of others’

all that big of a deal, can it? Well, actually it

strengths and abilities. As part of empowered

can be … and it is. According to a recent report

leaders

from SHRM (The Society for Human Resource

coaching culture also focuses on developing

Management), April 2022 marked “the 11th

employees, which in turn can create an

consecutive month that more than four million

increased desire to stay with the organization.

workers left their job.” Read that again! Four

According to Gallup, three key elements

million people have left their jobs in the

of career growth are providing employees

U.S. alone every single month for the past 11

with the opportunity to make a difference,

• What are your recent successes?

months. That is a truly staggering number.

clearly defined parameters for what success

• What are you most proud of?

Though the reasons people leave their jobs are plentiful, there are some constants. Money,

leadership

empowering

coaching

others,

a

places

leadership

looks like, and allowing for the right fit with individual career aspirations.

of course, can play a role, but surprisingly

A leadership coaching culture can also help

to some, it is not usually the main driver for

organizations to clearly define employee

why people leave their jobs. Not too long ago,

performance by way of identifying three

Gallup completed their largest ever global

important dimensions: individual work and

study of the future of work and published their

achievements, teamwork and collaboration

findings in a book titled “It’s the Manager”.

with other team members, and customer

They found that the “quality of managers

focus.

and team leaders is the single biggest factor in your organization’s long-term success.”

Of course long-term success and employee retention are not identical issues, but it’s not too far a stretch to make the connection that if an organization is not able to hold onto their talent, they will not be successful—in

So,

how

does

an

organization

increase

employee engagement, which in turn increases employee retention, which in turn increases overall organizational success? Well, there is no one right answer to the question, but one great approach is the development and instillation of a leadership coaching culture within the organization.

the organization.

When thinking about the practical ‘nuts and bolts’ of what a leadership coaching culture entails, leaders can consider asking the following questions in order to encourage meaningful dialogue between leaders and their direct reports:

• What rewards and recognition matter most to you?

• How does your role make a difference?

• How would you like to make a bigger difference?

• How are you using your strengths in your current role?

• How would you like to use your strengths

Ultimately, a leadership coaching culture creates pathways for open communication where supervisors come alongside their direct reports and provide support and direction,

in the future?

• What knowledge and skills do you need to get to the next stage of your career?

while simultaneously relaying expectations

A leadership coaching culture takes time to

and clearly defined goals and objectives.

develop and even more time to implement. It’s

Jim Clifton and Jim Harter share, “Employees

the short-term or the long-term.

long-term results—for the individual and

develop through the discoveries they make as they perform—and as they are coached.”

The authors go on to say that, “managers should ask themselves: ‘How can I encourage individuals to make more discoveries about themselves?’” A leadership coaching culture helps employees to discover more about themselves and their skills, abilities, and

not a quick and easy fix. It takes an investment of time and careful attention to the needs of the individuals and the organization. It is an investment of time and attention that is worth it. As stated, it develops trust and where trust abounds, psychological safety exists, and where employees feel safe, they are more committed and willing to take chances that can lead to new, innovative ideas and success.

aspirations by way of asking questions rather

It has been said that “Nothing elevates

What is a leadership coaching culture? How

than dictating terms; by coming alongside and

performance more than coaching.” While

does it work? How will it help to develop long-

providing support rather than hierarchical,

the merit of this statement can be debated,

term success? These are all great questions.

top-down leadership.

results tend to speak for themselves. There

How they’re answered will make a difference in how an organization implements the creation of a leadership coaching culture.

This

form

of

leadership

is

not

always

appropriate or applicable, but when it is, it

are multiple factors that lead to success but leadership coaching is certainly a major one.

provides an alternate way of leading and

The next time someone in your organization is

According to Jeffrey Gaines, in his writing

coaching that produces results. It is also

asked about a coach that came alongside them

for

“Leadership

worth remembering that different employees

and helped to develop them, hopefully they

coaching has a two-fold meaning: it refers to

respond differently and have different ideas

will point to a leader within their organization

working with the leaders of an organization

of what growth and development look like for

and say they not only identified their potential,

to help them maximize their abilities and

them. A leadership coaching culture allows

but allowed them to put it into practice and

lead their teams well, and it also refers to a

space for leaders and managers to get to know

helped them become more successful, which

leadership style that executives use when

their employees and provide necessary support

in turn helped the organization to become all

working with their teams.” Additionally,

and direction in order to drive short-term and

the more successful as well.

PositivePsychology.com,

leadership

coaching

“emphasizes

active

listening rather than lecturing, asking the right questions rather than providing answers, and presenting leaders with various options rather than giving directions.” Ultimately, a leadership coaching culture looks like a culture of trust, respect, humility, and putting the needs of the organization first.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeff Boian is a manager at Morrison working primarily in our People Solutions practice.

To get in touch with Jeff, reach out to him by email at jboian@morrisonco.net or by phone at (530) 809-4679.

MORRISON CELEBRATES 20 YEARS, CONTINUED

One of the most enjoyable points of the celebration was surprising Brent with a video

featuring

friends

and

colleagues

that have been an important part of the Morrison journey. Among others, Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary of Agriculture; Karissa Kruse, President of the Sonoma County Winegrowers; and Gabe Olmos, President of Ventura Pacific Company, shared the impact Morrison has had on the organizations it serves (see photo at the bottom left).

Morrison

was

event

Congressman

by

also

recognized Doug

at

the

LaMalfa’s

Office, California Assemblymember James Gallagher’s

Office,

and

California

State

Senator Jim Nielsen’s office.

The entire Morrison team is overjoyed to have shared in this incredible milestone for the business and we look forward to what the next two decades may hold for our firm!

TEAM MEMBER PROFILE

Q&A WITH ANA WHAT GAME ARE YOU REALLY GOOD AT? I would say tennis. Started in 2016 never having played. I am now rated a 4.0. Just took a love to the sport. It is my way to destress as well as good exercise and have met really good people through tennis.

I have captained two tennis teams to

GETTING TO KNOW

ANA KLEIN

Ana Klein leads Morrison’s Business & Accounting Advisory (B&A) Service line. As a Principal and Owner, Ana provides services and oversees the B&A team, serving clients in food, agribusiness, trade associations, manufacturing and processing, distribution, and the non-profit sector. Ana also oversees B&A practice development.

Nationals. Once in 2018 and once in 2021.

Unlike most sports, tennis can be played at any age.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT MORRISON? My favorite part of Morrison is the culture and the people. It’s more like a family and starts at the top with Brent, the founder, and our managing partner, Toni Scott. I

Before Morrison, Ana began her career at Sunsweet Growers in Yuba City, California

am amazed by the talent of the team that

in August of 1999. She started as the Finance Manager and rose through the ranks to

goes along with our three service areas:

become the youngest and first female Chief Financial Officer at Sunsweet Growers.

For the past 16 years she has held the title of Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, and has been instrumental in growing the cooperative’s operations in Chile, including managing finance and grower relations.

Ana began her career with the accounting firm Arthur Andersen. She holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting as well as an MBA from California State University, Sacramento.

• Business and Accounting Advisory • Grants • People Solutions Morrison has the team, tools, and expertise to bring meaningful and lasting success to organizations.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Being a mother and grandmother to my daughter

Brittany

and

granddaughter

Reina. Reina just turned three and brings us such joy. It’s true what they say about being a grandparent: Grandma’s, or Nani as I am called by Reina, are moms with lots of frosting.

WHAT IS THE DUMBEST WAY YOU’VE BEEN INJURED? Playing tennis. I was running backwards for a high lob my opponent hit and I ran out of room to run. I hit the fence and my foot got stuck between the fence and the tennis court. I couldn’t pull it out for a while, but when I finally did it hurt like heck! I had to ice and wrap it for over a week. I was more upset about losing the point then my foot in that moment.

10 Landing Circle, Suite 5 Chico, California 95973 5 3 0 - 8 9 3 - 4 7 6 4 • W W W. M O R R I S O N CO. N E T

BUSINESS & ACCOUNTING ADVISORY • PEOPLE SOLUTIONS • GRANTS FOLLOW US

C L I E N T CORNER The Morrison Client Corner is a regular feature of our newsletter.

If you’re a client of ours, we’d love to stay up to date with what

Here, you’ll find updates on what a number of our clients are up to,

is going on within your organization and invite you to share your

their achievements and milestones, and the generally great things

highlights in this space. Feel free to send any press releases,

happening in their companies or organizations.

newsletters, or happenings to Michelle at mgenova@morrisonco.net.

SONOMA COUNTY WINEGROWERS PARTNERS WITH FORD

NATIONAL GARLIC FESTIVAL HOSTS 1ST ANNUAL FESTIVAL The National Garlic Festival recently

RASHELL BROBST RECOGNIZED AS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Sonoma County Winegrowers has partnered

held their first festival in Fresno. Run

Rashell Brobst, CEO of the Boys and Girls

with Ford Motor Company to launch their

by National Foods Festivals, Inc., the

Club of the North Valley, was recently

“Farm of the Future” Initiative. Pursuing

festival brought amazing garlic foods,

recognized as a distinguished alum by

sustainable practices in all areas of farming

live performances, nightly fireworks,

California State University, Chico. Rashell

in

County

garlic products, carnival rides, nationally

has long served the Boys and Girls Club

Kruse

acclaimed chef performances, and even a

initially joining as Director of Program

sought out Ford after they announced

vampire run to the Fresno community.

services more than twenty years ago. Over

the introduction of a new electric truck.

Hailed as the garlic capital of the United

the years she has brought her heart of

Together they have launched their initiative

States, Fresno grows 77 percent of all

service to youth into her various roles as

and are working with select farms to pilot

garlic grown in the nation. Morrison is

Area Director, Director of Operations, and

an electric vehicle program to track and

grateful to have worked with National

most recently, CEO. Morrison is honored

reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Morrison

Food Festivals and we are delighted to

to have worked with Rashell and the Boys

is thrilled for Sonoma County Winegrowers

see the amazing success the festival

and Girls Club on various projects, and we

and their new found partnership with Ford

brought to the garlic industry.

could not be more thrilled that Rashell

Sonoma

Winegrowers

County,

Sonoma

President

Karissa

and we are excited to see the success that

has been recognized for her efforts.

FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTA

comes from this initiative.

PAID

CHICO, C PERMIT NO

WELCOME NEW CLIENTS

WWW.MORRISONCO.NET

NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2022