“Efficient management without effective leadership is like straightening deck chairs on the Titanic.” --Anonymous
For many of us in the agriculture industry, being a manager comes naturally. We excel at coming up with a set of processes to carry out daily on our farm or ranch. We’re really good at telling those involved in our operation, whether it be our self, spouse, child, or employee, what to do and when to do it. Have you ever considered what kind of legacy you could leave if you not only managed your team, but lead them?
On most of our farms and ranches, we are responsible for carrying out both the management and leadership duties, but it is vital that we distinguish between the two. Managing includes diagnosing a problem or opportunity within your business, creating a strategy to seize or correct it, and then implementing a process to take advantage of opportunities or correct the problem. Managers tend to focus on the short-term issues: How many replacement heifers are we going to keep this year? What is the best crop rotation this year? How are we going to keep our dairy herd from getting mastitis?
Leadership on the other hand is creating a long-term vision for your ag business and inspiring those around you to want to “buy in” to that mission. Leaders address questions like: Where will the farm or ranch be in 20 years? Will it pass on to future generations? What types of cattle breed or crop enterprises do we want involved in? How will land and labor be acquired to help us reach our long-term goals?
To become a better manager and leader of your operation, consider doing the three following things. First, start with self-reflection. What are your strengths and weaknesses? We all have them. Secondly, surround yourself with people you trust to help you make the best decisions for your farm, ranch, or agribusiness. This may come as a shock to you (I know it is for me), we don’t know it all. Owner/operators are better leaders and managers when they include their spouse, children, feed or chemical rep, veterinarian, bookkeeper, business consultant, and marketing expert in their decisions. Lastly, be sure to strike a balance between leadership and management. Your legacy depends on it.
—Chasi Stonehocker, COO
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