Brownton and Stewart, November 18th, 2021
Weaknesses are a hot topic for personal development. Build on your weaknesses so they are more aligned with your strongest skills. But what if the most efficient way to be the best version of yourself is actually to build on your strengths? Leading with your strengths focuses on this concept.
The idea of growing your talents into strengths was the topic of McLeod For Tomorrow’s third program day for the 2021-2022 year. Based on the studies of Gallup, which shows that the strongest performers spend most of their time in their areas of strength, get a greater sense of contribution and value, experience heightened growth and recognition, and these features generate improved performance for their workplaces.
What are My Strengths?
Our cohort took the Strengthsfinder test to discover their top five specific strengths. Often, these strengths are features we may recognize as our best features, but the strengthsfinder evaluation breaks them down into easily understood components showing how they relate to everyday life.
Discovering the Value in Brownton and Stewart
Lori Cacka, employee with the city of Brownton, introduced the group to the current happenings in Brownton. Brownton is an evolving town seizing opportunities to grow and adapt to the changes that come their way. The town welcomes Dollar general, a drastic change to what is available within city limits.
Likewise, Meg Schlueter, McLeod For Tomorrow’s program coordinator, introduced her town of Stewart. Meg runs the Stewart facebook page (Together, we live in Stewart) along with a close friend. The town is working on planning their first Christmas tree lighting community event.
Tours for the Day
The first tour took place at Food for Kidz in Stewart. Located in the old McLeod West school building, the non-profit uses the space of the campus as a warehouse
to house food items that get packaged into meals for children in need. Our group spent an hour packaging food. In that time we packaged over 700 meal bags, each containing enough food to make a meal for 6 people. These meals will be sent to children in Haiti.
Form-A-Feed
Stewart also housed the last tour of the day at Form-A-Feed, a business which has been in existence for nearly 50 years, and was previously a Purina plant. Originally a family owned business, Form-A-Feed has transitioned away
from that to become 100% employee owned. 
Part of the importance of taking tours in different communities is learning about other business segments. The precision involved with making feed up to spec for both animal and human safety was quite intense. Form-A-Feed delivers to farmers and businesses alike, making specialty orders when necessary. Last year, the business delivered to 26 states, making product that was shipped all over the world.
What a stretch from Stewart Minnesota!
What’s Next for McLeod For Tomorrow?
December lands us back in Hutchinson for additional education on the largest town in the county.
Before the start of our next program day, we wish all our readers a happy Thanksgiving!
