Discussion Questions -Based on the company's products and vision, explain how employees may feel a sense of meaning in their work.

-Explain the degree to which employees at SarTec experience psychological empowerment based on their responses to Question 6 (Sharing Leadership).

-Which of the company's practices demonstrate perceived organizational support (POS) to the employees? Provide specific examples from the employee responses.

-Explain whether you feel that the same practices would work in a medium or large company. How might a leader adapt these practices to larger organizations?

The McNeff family operates a network of companies they founded in Anoka, Minnesota. The leadership practices of the family contribute to high levels of job satisfaction among their employees.

Family Background Larry McNeff holds a BS degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska. Marie McNeff holds an EdD degree, also from the University of Nebraska. Marie McNeff retired from Augsburg College in Minneapolis in 2000 after serving for 28 years as a faculty member and for 5 years as the dean of faculty. Immediately after retirement, she began the service of making lunch for all the employees in the SarTec facility. Their son, Clayton McNeff, holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota in analytical chemistry.

Company Background In 1983, Larry McNeff started the first family company called SarTec, which produces a cattle feed supplement using an extract from the yucca plant. The company has grown and now produces several animal feed products using this technology, which is a natural way to reduce bloat in cattle and horses. Over the years, the McNeff family formed six companies that employ 65 people in industries such as agricultural products and biodiesel fuel.

Company Values One of the reasons Larry McNeff left a large company to start his own company was because he felt that employees were not treated well. He wanted to give people "more freedoms than they could have at a big company." When discussing company values, he states,

[It was a value] to develop something that was worthwhile. To try to make the best product I could in the field that we're in. And I think I did that. So, we had something we could really get behind.

Employee Responses The employees of the McNeff companies see them as leaders who build community. Based on a survey completed by employees regarding their leadership styles, representative comments from employees follow.

Question 1 (Valuing People): In what ways do the owners demonstrate that they value employees?

"They never make you feel [like] less; they take interest in you and your family as people, not just as an asset. They make decisions for the company with their employees' best interest in mindnot just the bottom line." "Everyone is treated with respect."

Question 2 (Developing People): How do the owners develop people within this organization?

"Opportunities for growth and change are distributed within the organization." "Management will provide guidance and support in order to encourage leadership development. Almost all promotions come from within the existing employee ranks."

Question 3 (Building Community): How have the owners built a sense of community within this organization?

"Annual Christmas party." "Birthday recognition." "By providing lunch every day. By always being available."

Question 4 (Displaying Authenticity): How do the owners of this company display authenticity (open and accountable, willingness to learn, demonstrating honesty and integrity)?

"They value all suggestions for improvements and encourage each employee to provide suggestions. They deal honestly with all their employees." "The owners are friendly and have made themselves approachable."

Question 5 (Providing Leadership): How do the owners of this company provide leadership for you and the organization?

"They continue to innovate and provide interesting new challenges for their employees." "Constant communication from top to bottom of organization."

Question 6 (Sharing Leadership): In what ways do the owners of this company share leadership?

"They put a lot of trust in their employees. They delegate tasks and trust that the tasks will be completed." "Once an objective or goal is established, the owners and employees tasked with completing the assignment share in the leadership role in order to bring the assignment to a successful conclusion."