FROM THE FARM REPORT: THE SPIRIT OF HEART'S DELIGHT FARM – WHICH LINE RESONATES WITH YOU?

In June 2024, Dr. Heather Dann shared the Spirit of Heart’s Delight Farm with Farm Report readers. William Miner displayed the core values he expected from employees of his farm in the early 1900’s through a sign that hung outside the Storehouse No.1 building that read:

The Spirit of Heart’s Delight Farm

Do right because it is the right thing to do.

Be courteous: you thereby honor yourself.

Be industrious: otherwise you cannot respect yourself.

Be efficient thus gaining the respect of others.

Try to realize the value of time, your real capital.

Be honest thereby attaining true happiness.

Constantly improve in mental, moral and physical quality.

Be fair-minded: shun prejudice and jealousy.

Be loyal and cooperate cheerfully with others.

The sign hangs in the same location today, over 120 years later, and is a timeless reminder to the Miner Institute staff today the core values we should bring to work (and frankly our lives) to be productive employees and citizens. During the recent annual performance evaluations of our research staff, I asked each person to share with me one line of the Spirit of Heart’s Delight Farm that resonates most with them and why. After 20 evaluations, I was surprised to find that every line was selected by at least one staff member. I found that most put a lot of thought into why they selected the line and it gave me, as a supervisor, insight into what motivates them as an employee.

Do right because it is the right thing to do…was the most popular with 35% selecting this line. It’s my favorite too. One staff member chose this line because it relates to all the other ones. Another shared that they stay late sometimes making sure that things are done right, when others don’t do the right thing.

Be courteous: you thereby honor yourself…was chosen by 10%. A staff member shared that if you follow this it makes everything flow better…filling a gas can make it better for the next person and is appreciated.

Be industrious: otherwise you cannot respect yourself…chosen by one employee who felt a good work ethic goes a long way and that if you can respect yourself, others will also respect you.

Be efficient thus gaining the respect of others…chosen by 10% explaining that is how they like to lead others and another shared they try to optimize things personally to improve their proficiency.

Try to realize the value of time, your real capital…surprisingly this one resonated most with one of our youngest staff members. I thought it was very insightful for someone with no wrinkles and gray hair.

Be honest thereby attaining true happiness…10% selected this one stating that Honesty is the best policy and that no matter what mistakes are made, be honest…it builds trust and the respect of others.

Constantly improve in mental, moral and physical quality…was the 2nd most popular at 20%. Overall, people felt this is something everyone can work on to improve themselves and in the end it will improve the team as a whole…people helping each other out. One specifically mentioned that self-reflection is important when working with people…start by working on yourself – growing your emotional intelligence.

Be fair-minded: shun prejudice and jealousy…10% selected this line. One person admitted that they can sometimes get a bit frustrated at work and that being fair-minded and taking time to see things from another’s perspective helps diffuse a situation. Another staff member took this line to a direct statistical application explaining that as we work with data, we need to shun any prejudices we may have and let the numbers speak for themselves.

Be loyal and cooperate cheerfully with others…The staff member who selected this explained that if you follow this, it fosters trust and communication within the group and improves the overall morale.

As a supervisor I really enjoyed taking the time during the performance evaluations to discuss The Spirit of Heart’s Delight Farm. I am fortunate to work with some pretty amazing people who are dedicated to the work we do at Miner Institute.

Which line resonates with you?

— Katie Ballard

ballard@whminer.com