What do feedback and dairy cows have in common?
Although technically a townie, I was raised in a rural area of southern Illinois flush with dairy farms, so my eye was drawn to an article in The New York Times recently entitled “Cows With Names Make More Milk.” According to the article, researchers examined several hundred British dairies and collected milk output data. They found that in a given year, cows with names produce about 258 liters more milk per farm than cows unnamed by their owners, an increase of about 6%. The animal behaviorist behind the research stated, “The naming reflects the human’s attitude toward the cows and, therefore, how they behave around them.” The implication is that cows that are given names are often treated nicely and that happier cows make more milk.
Obviously we’re a different species, but this finding caused me to ponder the effect of positive feedback and a caring attitude in work settings. In my work as a management coach and an assessor of organizational culture, I can recall numerous appreciative comments when someone’s manager or supervisor showed an extra level of interest or attention. Knowing a worker’s name, asking about the family, taking time to solicit opinions or ideas–all of these activities seem to have significant and positive impact for individuals in the workplace. This did not necessarily mean that only warm and fuzzy comments were appreciated. Many managers are respected for the fact that they can be direct and straightforward, AND, they take the time to provide feedback and advice. There is ample evidence that workers who feel respected and appreciated for their efforts are motivated to produce, are better aligned with company goals, and are active in working toward these goals.
My favorite hometown dairy farm sign states “All we have, we owe to udders.” In our human endeavors, part of our success and productivity often depends on the “udder” people around us. Our work peers, the responses of our customers, the support or lack thereof from our supervisors–these factors can have a strong impact on how well we produce. I would be interested in your thoughts on how the comments or treatment you experience from your managers or your teammates impact on your productivity at work. And, if you want to have a productive cow, be sure to give her a name.
