Maine-Anjou Voice :: Kyla Nesheim / Jeana Sankey :: 204 Marshall Road :: PO Box 1100 :: Platte City MO 64079-1100
Phone - 816.858.9954 :: Fax - 816.858.9953 ::  E-mail: voiceeditor@kc.rr.com  

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November-December 2007 - Headquarter
A Look in the Mirror
by John Boddicker, executive vice president

  Regardless of whether we consider something a success, it can be an eye-opening experience to really look at yourself and your program. An honest, strong evaluation can sometimes uncover weaknesses that have held back an expected degree of success. There are many times when we all think, it’s the other fella’s fault, but the image in the mirror may tell a different story.
   We at the American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) make mistakes every day, but I am a firm believer that if you are not making a few mistakes you probably aren’t doing much. The key is to keep them to a minimum, don’t repeat any mistakes and most importantly, in my mind, own up when a mistake has been made. We are entering another busy season in which the office staff is stretched to the limit. I am certain the present AMAA staff is the best total staff I have been associated with since arriving in 1990. The following is a list of questions each employee has on their desk. The idea is a self examination which results in a good office atmosphere that is professionally responsive to the membership needs.
   How I view myself in the workplace
1. Do I come to work with a smile, ready to add to a friendly work atmosphere?
2. Do I react critically of others before I take a deep breath and ask myself, “How can WE make this better for the next time?”
3. Do I have a friendly voice on the phone with customers?
4. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best, how would our customers/members rate my customer service on phone calls?
5. Do I take into consideration my co-employees feelings?
6. Am I a helpful person to all coemployees?
7. Do I feel threatened by any coemployee?
8. Do I treat others as I would want to be treated?
9. Do I add to “positive communication” within the office?
10. Do I use my work day wisely?
11. Am I willing to share work load, either my own or another’s?
12. Do I accept change as a hopeful step toward progress?

How do my co-workers view me?
1. Are they hesitant to approach me because of possible repercussions?
2. Do they feel intimidated by me?
3. Do they feel I am helpful in making this a better work place?

   I challenge each of you to rearrange the wording to fit your operational needs and goals. Is there a breed of cattle that has as many marketing options as the Maine-Anjou breed? The competition for the buying public is, to say the least, fierce — so what sets your operation apart from the others? Why should they buy your product and not the operations down the road? Do you have a salable product that is in demand? Do you believe in your operation? How is your operation perceived by your peers? How are you perceived by your peers? Do you have a sound marketing plan? You could come up with an endless list of questions to ask yourself, so set the ego aside and respond honestly.
   As we come to a close of another year, I sincerely hope each Maine- Anjou operation has been able to fight through any set backs that may have come your way. Aside from poor weather conditions, the last several years have been very good to the seedstock industry. Heading into the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, we at the AMAA wish each and every one of you the best for your families and your Maine-Anjou operations.
 

    

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