Our sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams said it best on what it takes to be a leader, by saying, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
I would add that sometimes leaders silently lead. I see this daily with my 17-year-old daughter, Cassie. She doesn’t want a lot of attention but is more than happy to do what it takes to lead, although she sees it more as ‘helping out.’
A year ago, Cassie spent her fall break at World Dairy Expo. Instead of being on the colored shavings exhibiting cattle, she was found in the barns, helping get a string ready in the middle of the night, running nightline. She also has served as the sixth man coming off the basketball bench, while her teammates beg to start. Cassie is confident that her coach will put her in at the best time. When Cassie shows up to help out at the farm, our guy’s smile stretches even wider. They know Cassie is a doer and will do all that it takes to get the job done, going the extra mile, doing more than she is asked to do. She is a silent leader that so many people have come to count on and appreciate it.
As Cassie prepares to head off to college next summer, I often question whether we have taught her all that we know. The answer is most likely yes and now it is time for her to go explore the world and learn for herself.
Don’t Become Complacent
When I interview young farmers, like Reese Burnett, who is featured in our Milk Business Quarterly cover story (Status Quo is Not the Goal for This Wyoming Young Dairy Producer), I’m reminded that part of success is learning from others. Reese shares what he learned from his three college internships before returning back to his family farm in Wyoming. He also offers advice to other young producers, saying that you cannot be complacent about being good and must be driven to better yourself and your business.
The dairy industry is scattered with success stories like Reese. Plenty of people who started young, worked hard and found a path forward. Think of your own success story, even if your path wasn’t straightforward, had plenty of hurdles and might not always felt like a success. The industry is great because of all our great leaders who have continued to push hard, driving their businesses forward.
