A guide to developing a best-in-show manufacturing company

Business leaders can learn a lot about boosting manufacturing organizational performance by observing how premium show pigs are raised. Getty Images

I may not have mentioned this in previous columns, but I live on a farm outside a small rural town in eastern Iowa. I did not grow up on a farm and never had farming experience, but my husband owned acreage when we got married, so here I am living my best farmgirl life. And I love it.

I have three children, and my son Bo is in his first year of 4-H. Last weekend we picked up two pigs that he will work with until the county fair in mid-July when he will exhibit them in the swine show. Lucky for us, our good friend Mr. Brett Grings just happens to be known throughout the Midwest for breeding, selecting, raising, and showing premium show pigs.

When my son asked if he could show pigs for his 4-H project, I immediately called Brett for advice on buying the animals. As we stood there last Sunday getting an education on everything required to care for and train these precious animals, I couldn’t help but compare the rigorous program to the effort most managers put into their employees. Nothing dictates the success of a business more than the people who run it, but this resource is often the most overlooked when it comes to maintenance and investment. In short, if we want our companies to prevail as grand champions, we may have something to learn from these pigs.

The Selection Process

Pigs are an expensive investment, and we relied completely on Brett’s advice. I recommend the same strategy for hiring employees.

A previous employer of mine had a hiring policy they called “Slow to hire and quick to fire.” I couldn’t agree more. The hiring process is typically dreaded and rushed. Unskilled interviewers can be duped by subpar candidates who do a good job answering questions. Utilizing human resource experts, consultants, and recruiters can go a long way in making a good hire, especially for critical positions.

The Environment

You wouldn’t believe the to-do list Brett gave us for setting up our barn to accommodate these pigs. From the floor covering to the covered hut to the temperature (must be “a balmy 60 to 70 degrees”), we spent days getting ready to bring them home. According to Brett, “You don’t have to set things up perfectly. Some pigs may do fine. But this is how you achieve the best results.”

Have you created a work environment and culture that promote high achievement? Do you have a team atmosphere that fosters taking risks and shared responsibilities? Do you have nice facilities and comfortable break rooms? Employees returning to the office after the pandemic have communicated that exceptional aesthetics and work environment are more critical than ever. Some employees may survive a crummy workplace, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Putting effort into your setup gives staff the best chance to excel.

Training

The goal for our pigs is to perform well at the county fair. They have to walk a certain way, present well, and look their best. This will take months of routine and effort from my son. He has started with 5:30 a.m. feedings, multiple visits a day, and an evening meal with back rubs as they get to know each other. This will progress with more exercises as they train to walk by his side. He will monitor their diet and make feed adjustments as needed for optimum health.

Employees need the same amount of onboarding and ongoing training. Actually, they need more.

Are you blocking time in your schedule to assess employee needs and address developmental goals—even when it’s inconvenient and you’re busy? Are you setting aside a few hours each month to create training plans and research educational opportunities for employees? Are you communicating long-term goals clearly so employees understand the “why” behind their efforts? Training and development at the one-on-one level can be the most effective resource you give staff.

The Coach

Who’s coaching you? My son is responsible for the performance of his pigs, just like a manager is responsible for the performance of his or her team. However, Mr. Grings is available as a coach at any time if Bo has questions or issues. He will frequently check in over the next several months to track progress and give us pointers.

If you are going to develop a team that takes your department or company to the next level, don’t forget about training and development for the most critical role—your own. Find a mentor, hire a business coach, work with a consultant—whatever is best for you. Don’t forget to train the trainer.