Reading Time: 2 minutes Lauren Sergy, an Edmonton, Alta., communications and executive coach, says it’s human nature to be biased when someone in a leadership position doesn’t look or sound like what we’re expecting — which, in agriculture, has typically been a white male. “It’s the way our brains are wired. Even before people hear us speak, they are […] Read more
How to develop leadership presence
Executive decisions: what and when to delegate on the farm
When everyone is working at capacity and delegating isn’t an option, what’s a busy farmer to do?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Consider the end state you’re working to achieve on your farm when deciding what tasks to delegate, when to do so and on whom, farm management advisors recommend.
Farm peer groups still provide value
Farm peer groups have been around for a while. Are they still an important avenue for learning?
Reading Time: 5 minutes A look at whether farm peer groups are still relevant.
Moving beyond delegation on the farm
Summer Series: When everyone is too busy and delegating isn’t an option, what’s a busy farmer to do?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Farming can be overwhelming during peak seasons. A never-ending job list means you’re overloaded — which means your team is probably already operating at maximum capacity as well, so delegating isn’t an option. What can you do? Kelly Dobson, executive coach and fourth-generation Fairfax, Man., farmer says a common complaint from his clients is that […] Read more
Leaders need support, too
Today’s ag leaders shoulder a heavy mental and emotional load. Despite their stoic leadership skills team members must remember that sometimes their leader needs support, too
Reading Time: 4 minutes “Leaders are expected to remain composed, to offer reassurance and to be a safe harbour for their teams… it can be draining,” says Jennifer MacTavish, a Guelph, Ont., executive coach and mediator. This can lead to burnout, especially during times of uncertainty. MacTavish, who spent 20 years in leadership roles with agricultural industry associations, has […] Read more
How women lead with confidence in agriculture
Summer Series: While women working in agriculture is certainly not as rare as it used to be, gender biases haven’t kept pace with the change. But with the help of peers and industry learning opportunities women are confidently stepping into leadership roles
Reading Time: 6 minutes Gender bias is complicated. It can be intentional, but it can also be subconscious or structural, such as when it’s embedded in organizational policies or societal norms. And it often goes unseen by those who don’t experience it themselves. Although the number of women working in leadership positions in agriculture is increasing, women are still […] Read more
Adding emotional intelligence to your farm toolbox
Strengthening your emotional intelligence can pay big dividends, personally and professionally
Reading Time: 5 minutes Imagine there was a relatively simple way you could amp up your leadership skills, reduce your stress, help you more easily resolve conflict and provide insight into what other people are thinking and feeling. Emotional intelligence, first identified by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey in 1990, was originally presented as the ability to understand […] Read more
Closing the on-farm generation gap
Generations have always squabbled about issues and viewpoints, but the generational communication gap can be filled with curiosity and empathy
Reading Time: 4 minutes The clash between generations over outlooks, opinions, values and beliefs dates to ancient times. In fact, this disparity of perspective has a name: the generation gap. Each generation is shaped by the predominant forces at play during their formative years. Acknowledging these influences can improve communication among the generations, says River Falls, Wisconsin leadership development […] Read more
What to do when worry takes over
Getting control over your worries can be far easier said than done — but you can get a good start if you practice these tips
Reading Time: 4 minutes “I don’t tell my story because it’s unique. I tell it because it isn’t,” says former Manitoba hog farmer Gerry Friesen. A little over 20 years ago Friesen’s farm was in financial crisis after years of market volatility, tariffs and low prices. “At the time, my mind was working overtime, replaying worst case scenarios, questioning […] Read more
Understand motivation to stay energized
Contrary to belief, motivation is not about discipline or willpower. It’s more complex, but there’s a lot you can do to boost yours
Reading Time: 6 minutes Let’s be honest. We’ve all had sluggish or frustrating days where we wonder why the heck we’re doing what we do. It can be challenging to find the motivation to get out of bed, do a chore, start a project. Motivation can be complex. What gets you excited about work today might not be the […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
