James Kouzes and Barry Posner have written about exemplary leaders who exhibit these key abilities:
- Challenge the process
- Inspire a shared vision
- Enable others to act
- Model the way
- Encourage the heart
You’ll note the top management gurus include the need to have heart in our business. Kouzes and Posner’s “set clear standards” would align with the idea of having a clear sense of purpose and values.
One way to achieve this is by conducting a values assessment with your farm team.
“Expect the best” from Kouzes can be translated to having a high level of trust. How are you expecting the best from your farm team and employees?
Posner wants teams to “pay attention,” which converts to watching for the outcomes and paying attention to results – in other words, accountability.
Some farms that I coach are allowing bad behaviour to continue unchecked. Are there consequences on your farm to keep folks accountable for their attitudes and their actions?
Open, clear communication is a lofty goal. Sometimes people need help to be better listeners and clear with their intentions. Use stories to help clarify how you are feeling and talk about your needs.
Gary Smalley and John Trent call this using “word pictures.”
If my husband might say, “Elaine, I feel like I am getting leftovers in a brown paper bag,” it means I need to allocate more time to family than to my work. Word pictures are powerful to communicate a story that motivates people to listen.
How are you encouraging personal growth on your farm? Do you show recognition verbally or with gifts of time? One consultant recently shared that he was working hard for the founder to just say, “I love you, son, and am thankful for all you do around here.”
Unfortunately, the son is ready to bolt because he feels taken for granted. Dad still has not mustered the courage to say, “I love you.”
Balancing work and family is an ongoing issue for all generations but really hits home for the young generation. Take time to celebrate together to encourage the heart of your family and ultimately your business.
It is not a badge of honour to proclaim that you have not left the farm in three years. Strong families celebrate together and take time for renewal.
When you have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, everyone knows what is expected of them and can do their jobs well. Kouzes and Posner call this part of encouraging the heart of business “setting the example.”
If you want better attitudes on your farm, check your attitude. If you want people to be punctual, show up on time. If you want honesty in transactions, don’t lie or “work the books.”
I hope you cut out this checklist and put it where you will be reminded to act out practical encouragement for your farm team. PD
Elaine Froese, CAFA, CHICoach has been encouraging farm families for more than 34 years.
10 ways to encourage
- Clear sense of purpose and values
- Open, clear communication
- Willingness to accept differences
- Personal growth encouraged
- High level of trust
- Clearly defined roles and responsibilities
- Accountability
- Balance between work and play
- Regular discussions with action
- Outside perspectives welcome
—Doug Stroh
