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 Tips to make harvest happier
In my presentations I use 2 hats with index card labels: one is Boss, and one is Manager. We have to make an intentional choice about our approach with our employees. Harvest is the crucible of communication strengths and weaknesses. Here’s my encouragement for managing a happier harvest this year: Communication A boss says “It’s my way or the highway. I don’t have time to mess around with your ideas.” A manager says “Tell me more about … what height you think we should cut at and why. This is our plan for which crops we’ll harvest first. Keep me posted with your radio or cell phone.” Work ethic A boss says “We work all the time ’cause the most important thing is money — I’ll just pay you more. There’s no time for fun or family, there’s too much work to do.” A manager says “We work smart as a team. When it rains we’ll have a rest, and my shift workers are thrilled they only need to show up here 5 days a week! Let’s all enjoy a special supper together to celebrate the end of harvest.” Power, control and decisions A boss says “I own this combine so listen to me. I’ll make the final decision and tell you what I decide.” A manager says “Some decisions are like leaves on a tree. You have the skills to make a lot of decisions without my input. Make a decision and act on it. For the bigger decisions, talk to me before you take action.” (See Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, p.118.) Training and learning A boss says “Man! He’s been he’s been watching me run this place for 5 years, so he should just know what to do! He should figure how out to set the grain monitor and the sieves on his own!” A manager says “I’m glad we took lots of time getting the combines ready. Now everyone understands how to use the new monitors, and they feel okay about asking for help when things don’t work right. Our goal is to teach, learn and let go, so that everyone learns more skills. We try to reduce mistakes like forgetting to put the gas cap back on after fueling the combine. We watch out for each other.” Helpful systems The boss says “We just don’t have time to keep track of each truck’s weight off the field” or “Take that paperwork to town and let them figure it out! I don’t want to spend time keeping track of work hours or wading through that manual!” The manager says “I thought these systems we’ve put in place will help us measure what we need to change. It just takes a few extra minutes to weigh the trucks, and document the harvest conditions. I’ve always felt if you can’t measure it, you can’t change it!” Gratitude The boss says “I don’t have time to stop and eat a hot meal. Sandwiches for 8 weeks helps me eat on the run. I’m not as young as I used to be, but I can still keep myself running hard during harvest. I expect you to work just like me. Your paycheque should be thanks enough.” The manager says “Let me trade you off while you have a decent supper and a short break. I’d rather have the combines running smoothly with no errors than deal with the costly downtime when an operator gets tired. You’re doing a great job and I really appreciate your good harvest habits — you’re careful to check that you’re not throwing grain out the back, or missing strips.” I love harvest. In 2003, it was early, hot and very smooth. Already we sense that 2004 will be late and long. Each year brings new challenges, but keep in mind the people on your farm are your most important asset. Think about how you can intentionally manage a happier harvest this year. All the best to you as you keep those combines humming. I hope you’re humming, too! (Note: If you’re interested in going to harvest in Australia from November to January, contact the International Rural Exchange at 204-769-2448 or irecanada@shaw.ca.) Elaine Froese is a Certified Farm Family Coach™ who farms near Boissevain MB. She helps family get unstuck and talk about tough issues for a better future. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors www.cafanet.com. Call toll-free 1-866-848-8311 or email elaine@elainefroese.com Note: You are welcome to reprint or repost any articles on this website with the understanding that
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“People just can’t be expected to work 24/7, all the time. It’s no wonder he can’t keep a hired man!” These are the comments of top farmers from Pike Management Group’s (www.agcoach.ca) summer conference, where I had great fun speaking to Canadian and Australian farmers about employees on the farm.