Having a Conflict Resolution Procedure

 Having a Conflict Resolution Procedure

I’m KayDee Gilkey with the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report.

Everyone has arguments or conflicts from time to time on family farms and ranches, that’s normal. But has your ag operation considered creating a conflict resolution procedure?

Jolene Brown, farmer, professional speaker, author, and family business consultant reminds us the best time to adopt one is when the family business waters are calm.

Brown: “I had the opportunity to work with many in farm business.I’ve worked in when they were fighting with pitchforks in the dairy barn, boxing gloves behind the pickup seat. There is a better way. What I want our farmers and ranchers to do when the times are good is to adopt a conflict resolution procedure. We do this before there are any problems out there. Don’t forget to set up a conflict resolution plan as you set up a generational or family business. This plan is an adopted procedure is going to be discussed, voted on and recorded. It will be in the minutes of your first organizational meeting.”

So what can be included in a conflict resolution procedure?

Brown: “Here is what it may include: when the items issued will be discussed, how will it will be discussed, how are decisions made, an agreement to seek a conflict resolution mediator or arbitrator if there is an impasse. And how you are going to choose that person. And then we do need an agreement to accept the resolution along the way. If you want legacy of the business to continue, you need to be sure you can handle the tough times, not just the happy times.”

To read more of Jolene’s wisdom and humor go to www.jolenebrown.com.

I’m KayDee Gilkey with the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.