Keith Scott likes to follow a path of diplomacy when negotiating with people or trying to resolve conflicts.
Scott, who farms near Boissevain, Man., thinks confrontation should be used only as a last resort. He also underlines the importance of listening to other people’s views when sitting at the negotiating table or in a boardroom chair.
“If everyone on the board thinks alike, they’re too narrowly focused to do the job expected of them.”
Scott found many of his views reinforced during an enhanced leadership skills training workshop held recently in Brandon, Man. The one-day seminar dealt with topics such as resolving differences, building team spirit and organizing productive meetings.
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Administered and co-sponsored by Keystone Agricultural Producers, Manitoba’s general farm group, the seminar was one of three held throughout Manitoba in the past two weeks. The seminars were designed for people involved with local organizations and committees.
Scott, who serves on the board of a local co-op, found the seminar he attended in Brandon to be worthwhile. While supporting many of his views, the seminar also made him aware of other avenues for team building and resolving differences.
“There is more than one way to skin a cat,” he said. “There is no one set of rules.”
Al Somersall came away from the seminar impressed with what he learned. An Agricore delegate and active member of his community, Somersall believes the lessons he learned will serve him well in the future.
“I was really happy with it,” he said in an interview following the seminar. “I’m definitely glad I went.”
The seminar stressed the importance of being open-minded when trying to resolve conflict, Somersall said. And be prepared to hear both sides of the story from the people involved.
“Don’t be afraid to listen to other people and to hear their points of view.”
That same attitude should be carried into the boardroom, where consensus might not always be easy to achieve. Problems will arise, said Somersall, if someone walks into a meeting thinking their way is the only way to do something.
Efficient use of time
Somersall also found merit in the session dealing with how to make meetings more productive. The session showed how well-managed meetings lead to better decision making, good interaction among members and improved sharing of information.
Somersall knows the frustration caused by a poorly run meeting that results in wasted time for those attending. One of the keys to overcoming that is good planning and preparation in advance. Once the meeting is convened, it’s important to stay on topic.
Although the seminars were aimed at people involved in community organizations, the skills learned there could also be applied in daily life.
For Somersall, those lessons might one day come in handy when working with his farm help.
“Most of the people who show up at our place are volunteers,” he said, describing those who help during the busy seasons on his farm. “I don’t push them too hard or they might just take off golfing.”
KAP described this year’s three leadership training seminars as “a hit.” Held in late February and early March, attendance was beyond last year’s turnout.
The sessions were held in Winnipeg, Russell and Brandon. There were 71 registered participants for the Winnipeg session, 42 for Brandon and 49 for Russell.
