One-third of all companies in the S&P 500 Index are family run businesses according to Business Insider. That’s impressive! Family run businesses care about the long-term effects of their decisions, focus on future generations and have passionate, dedicated family members at the top. In family farming operations, we share in those impressive qualities.

I’m standing in a farm shop with the owner, and his frustration with his staff is evident from the look on his face. “They lack in the details, they don’t listen, and they’re just not getting it done,” he tells me.

This article is the first in a series of online exclusive columns from Lori Lennard, the founder of AgProvise Consulting. Check back monthly for dairy employee management advice, leadership training and farm/family business strategies. Do you ever feel you are the only one thinking on your team? The rest of the group is simply going through the motions without providing extra effort? I hear this complaint on farms all the time. I often get the question, “How can I get my team to care about the business and act like an owner?"