This is the C.R.A.P. that really works …

In the dairy business, we could make manure jokes all day long. We're full of ... it. Up to our eyeballs. But hopefully not over the edge of the pit ... 

Ok, I'll stop there. I "stink" at puns anyway ...

Let me introduce you to the man the wrote the book on C.R.A.P. ... but not the kind the permeates our dairy-aire.

Jeff Kortes is an employee retention expert and author who teaches the secrets to employee retention:
Care. Respect. Appreciation. Praise.

Put it all together, and, like manure, you have a valuable resource essential for growth.

"It's all about how you treat people," Jeff said in this week's Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

"What I find is a lot of organizations and a lot of leaders care about their people but they don't know how to show it. They respect their people but then they do things that disrespect people. And oftentimes they don't give their people enough appreciation or show them enough praise"- Jeff Kortes

And that's why employees quit. Or "quiet quit."

Podcast guest Jared Dueppengiesser joined the conversation and shared how he has been applying the C.R.A.P. principles at Rosendale Dairy:

"We have conversations with every single one of our employees, every single day." -Jared Dueppengiesser

Even if it's just a one-minute "good morning, how are you doing today," making that intentional effort has been a difference maker.

It's also getting to know people, asking about their lives and their families.

It's providing some good winter gear at the beginning of the cold season.

It's celebrating goals like somatic cell count targets together with a pizza.

Yet, it's not overlooking the most simple, soft skills:

Listening, empathizing and showing care by keeping your word and following through.

The results?
Over time, not only has turnover been a non-issue (listen for more on that here), but he has also seen employee engagement improve. Employees are inquiring about the goals they've set and how they are doing as a team to achieve them.  

Who wouldn't want a team like that?

Jared will tell you, like any dairy, not every day at Rosendale Dairy is roses, but a little C.R.A.P. goes a long way in creating a culture where people and cows have the opportunity to thrive.