A successful farm business is like any other successful business – it needs a great team! It needs direction, strategic thinking, decision making, action and accountability. As the farm business owner, you could carry out these functions by yourself but it is far more effective through the use of a great team, especially if you want great results.
Why? Because collectively a great team:
Teams are usually put together for two main reasons – Governance (helping to direct the business strategically), and Operations (day to day actions of the business). For both teams select people suited to the role of the particular team but firstly make sure that they have the necessary character to add value to the team. No value, no deal. Who and how many members you have in your team is entirely your choice – just make sure they are achieving the team objectives.
For farm business governance, have at least the following roles filled: the business owners, financier, accountant, farm manager – they have direct influence on the strength and ongoing function of the business. Other business owners and other professionals may also be included depending on the requirements of the business e.g. specialists in stock procurement and marketing or nutrient / mineral specialists. This team could be known as the “advisory board” and may be led by the business owner unless their lack of confidence requires another team member to carry out the leadership role. Once again, you decide who is on the team but create a team focus and tailor it to the needs of the business.
For farm operations, the farm manager (who could be a business owner) needs to be able to lead the farm workers to carry out the day to day tasks, to deliver on the goals and directives defined by the advisory board. Farm workers must know they need to attend structured weekly meetings (or some other time frame) to be “on the team.” As part of that leadership, the manager or owner may need to help the farm worker incorporate that habit and accountability into their routine. If they won’t contribute in any way to the team, it is best to replace them on the team. If the business is a sole charge situation with no workers, the farm manager / business owner will need to cover all roles of the operations team. It can be very challenging thinking operations and governance at the same time, but that is just the role of a sole charge leader. Either way you need to change hats (and mindset to a degree!). Remember, operational teams can also include stock agents and nutrient advisors etc. Leadership of these teams by the manager or owner is incredibly important.
Governance is more strategic (overall and long term view) while operations are more tactical (day to day) and each takes quite different thinking. There are many great resources out there to learn more on these subjects including books, seminars and masterminding. Stephen Covey, Tony Robbins, John Maxwell and Napoleon Hill are just a few of the authors who can help you out. Check out local and national seminars as well.
At risk of sounding cliché, the old maxim of Together Everyone Achieves More is right on the money. In fact it is probably more relevant than most would like to admit. If you are finding it tough to think about everything and get even the necessary things achieved, then get to it and build a great team around yourself!