The second workshop in our LABOR MANAGEMENT FOR FARMERS series is entitled, "Run Your Team: Tools for Managing and Motivating Employees on the Farm" and it's going to be taught by someone who knows an awful lot about the subject.
Chris Blanchard's workshops, writing, and consulting throughout the country have gained a reputation for fresh approaches, down-to-earth information, and honesty.
In his fourteen years of farming at Rock Spring Farm, Chris Blanchard has managed over 100 employees, made hundreds of mistakes, and changed the work environment from "The Yelling Farm" into a place he was proud to manage. His workshops are high-energy, fast paced and media-rich. His presentations have gained a reputation for fresh approaches, down-to-earth information, honesty and humor.
Below is an excerpt from a post on Chris' "Purple Pitchfork" blog:
Chris Blanchard's workshops, writing, and consulting throughout the country have gained a reputation for fresh approaches, down-to-earth information, and honesty.Ten Thoughts about Employees
- Happy employees are productive employees - and productive employees are happy employees.
- The right tools plus the right people equals maximum productivity.
- The boss sets the tone and sets an example.
- The boss is never tired. Even if she is.
- Be certain going in that what you say you want is what you really want. If you have a partner, discuss this with them.
- Some people are fast. Some are not. You probably can't do much to make dramatic changes, so figure it out before you hire. After you hire, either find a way to deal with what you’ve got, or change what you’ve got. Only two choices.
- Be clear about goals and be clear about standards- and make those standards quantifiable. 50 bunches per hour. No more than 3 cercospora leaf spots on a Swiss chard leaf.
- Be certain. Don't tell people to "do their best"... describe best. Don't make a big deal about changes in procedures- it makes even good employees think they know as much as you.
- Poor performance by one employee drags management and labor down.
- If you have a partner, be certain you agree on goals and procedures. Anything else encourages dissent and confusion.