Leading the Way
How leadership works on the ranch.
contributed article by B. Lynn Gordon Leader Consulting
THE STRESS OF THE SEASON FIVE TIPS TO REDUCE CONFLICT IN HIGH-STRESS TIMES
Whether March comes in
roaring like a lion or quietly like a lamb, March is synonymous with calving season. For some ranches, calving may be winding down and others, it is ramping up, but generally, spring calving is in full swing. Calving time brings long days, sleepless nights, and dealing with unpredictable weather, all of which can negatively impact one’s mood. This creates high stress levels, low energy, and short tempers. Dealing with stressful situations day after day is often mirrored in how we act and communicate. Communication becomes limited and strained and before we know it conflict occurs from miscommunication. As communication begins to break down, there is a
higher likelihood of misinterpretation of what was said. Around the ranch, this can result in tasks incorrectly completed, mistakes made, feelings hurt, and an unwillingness to want to work together. When your mind and body are tired, your ability to organize your thoughts and feelings and listen carefully becomes more difficult. You may not be in the mood to have a conversation or opt to keep any communication brief. This disconnection then starts to overflow onto others around you. Communication becomes even more vital in busy times to regain a sense of control when your daily routine seems uncontrollable.
calving season, keep these tips in mind to keep communication flowing and reduce potential conflict:
BE PATIENT It seems there is always something that needs to be done to prepare for the arrival of the next calf, thus taking time to communicate means being patient in the situation and focusing on the issue at hand. If a situation arrives that needs to be talked through, patiently do so to find the solution. Jumping to conclusions is easy to do when time is limited and the to-do list long but addressing the other individual in a loud voice or with lots of emotion will immediately put them on the defense. Choose your words
________ During this busy and hectic
March 2020
“When your mind and body are tired, your ability to organize your thoughts and feelings and listen carefully becomes more difficult.”
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__________ thestockmanmag.com | THE STOCKMAN
