Some roles you can’t define blindly
The allocation of tasks on a farm needs to be well thought out. Gone are the days when roles were assigned according to whether you wore a dress or a pair of pants. As we know, the history of our Quebec farms is linked to that of our families, and our family relationships are often the most precious links in our lives. Under no circumstances should we take the chance of jeopardizing them because of a quarrel related to our entrepreneurial activities.
Avoiding conflict in your farming business
It’s quite simple: to avoid any surprises, you must talk to each other. Not knowing what’s on your family members’ minds leaves you vulnerable to the unexpected.
To reduce this vulnerability, it’s a good idea to schedule frequent meetings in order to encourage communication. At these meetings, you can open the discussion on your team members’ needs and aspirations. It’s an opportunity to define your company’s short and long-term strategic goals.
Since these projects relate directly to the team’s motivations, it makes sense to address these elements at the same time. Together, you can then create a vision of the future for both your company and your family.
Draw inspiration from the way cooperatives operate
You can draw inspiration from the way cooperatives operate. You can hold meetings at which everyone takes a turn to give their opinion on significant points. This is also an opportunity to assign responsibilities. Expectations are then set clearly, even before the start of the season. After all, keeping things vague serves no one’s interests.
Establishing a transparent system for assigning tasks and responsibilities within your farm business is a service to all concerned. Ultimately, isn’t the goal to run an efficient, successful business in which all participating members are happy and fulfilled?
Farming is a unique entrepreneurial sector because of its close-knit working relationships. Nothing like such a state of affairs to raise the interest of even the best human resources managers… Or give them a major headache!