Hi, I'm Sam
I've worked in the cattle industry as a leader for over 20 years. Earlier in my careeer, I knew how to get good results on paper, but still wasn't seeing my teams perform to the best of their abilities. It wasn't until I started investing in people that I found true success. Through that professional and personal learning experience, I developed a replicable management approach.
My own experience makes me passionate about sharing these principles with those who strive for improvement in their management and operations. In the summer of 2021, I started my business, Back to Basics. Back to Basics specializes in providing cattle processing crews, skilled labor for feedlots, as well as leadership consulting services.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
Samuel Cossio was born in Zacatecas, Mexico on a cattle ranch where he learned to work cattle alongside his dad. He moved to California in 1996, and in 1999 moved up to Washington state where he began his career in the cattle industry. His first employer was Simplot Feeders in Pasco, Washington giving him the opportunity to gradually work his way up the ranks of feedlot operations. He started on the maintenance crew, then the cattle processing crew and eventually moved to feeding, doctoring, shipping and receiving, and riding pens. His hard work did not go unnoticed, getting him promoted to cattle supervisor in 2001. Sam had begun to make a name for himself in the Columbia Basin and was soon offered an assistant manager position at a local 12,000 head feedlot in 2002. By 2004, he was promoted to general manager. While in this leadership role, he gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in team building and management all while helping the company grow to a one-time capacity of 90,000 head with three finishing yards and four backgrounding lots.
BACK TO BASICS PHILOSOPHY
Building Culture and Developing Your Team
Yes, it is that simple! The most basic need is human connection. Make a point to get to know your team on a personal level and be intentional about how you lead them. The foundation of a solid team is trust, and trust can only be built through this kind of human connection.
Connect with Your Team
First and foremost, choose a trainer who WANTS to be a trainer. Remember, this is the person who sets the tone for new hires. Include your team in planning to help them understand how and why you use certain processes. Most importantly, a leader has to be committed to making the plan work.
Training and Planning
Clarity is key so being clear about work schedules, vacation time, benefits, etc, is essential to a smooth running team. Make it clear that there will be zero tolerance for bad behavior and outline your expectations for them.
Discipline and Rules
Make sure that everyone knows where to find anything they may need to do their job and make sure you listen to your team when buying new tools and equipment. Why would you buy left handed scissors if everyone is right handed?
Resources and Tools
It’s great to be close with your team, but there is such a thing as too close. Treating your team as a community rather than a family maintains a level of respect and comradery that keeps focus on the task at hand. Celebrating small wins creates positive momentum and keeps team goals fresh in everybody’s mind.
Accountability
