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It's Time to Think Like a Farmer
Justin Mecham
April 08, 2024
In partnership with
Hey Full Potential Zoners!
It's time to think like a farmer.
Employees who feel valued are 21% more productive.
Mismanagement and lack of understanding can hinder team growth and productivity.
First, a BIG thanks to this week’s sponsor:
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Without proper care and attention -
Teams may feel undervalued.
Which leads to dissatisfaction and low performance.
Here's some wisdom from farming practices to nurture our teams effectively.
Today we are going to help leaders help their teams by using my framework:
‘Think Like A Farmer'.
Let’s dive in!
Don’t shout at the crops
What it is: Encouraging open, supportive communication within teams.
Why it is important: Prevents dissatisfaction and promotes a sense of value and respect.
Actionable steps: Actively listen to your team's needs and respond with empathy daily.
Don’t blame the crop for not growing fast enough
What it is: Aligning individual growth with company values.
Why it is important: Ensures each employee’s unique development is acknowledged and nurtured.
Actionable steps: Set realistic expectations and celebrate small victories to encourage progress.
Don’t uproot crops before they’ve had a chance to grow
What it is: Fostering patience and potential in team members.
Why it is important: Allows for the cultivation of hidden talents and unexpected strengths.
Actionable steps: Provide consistent feedback and opportunities for growth to nurture latent abilities.
Choose the best plants for the soil
What it is: Assigning roles that fit an individual's skills and the team's needs.
Why it is important: Increases productivity and job satisfaction by leveraging natural strengths.
Actionable steps: Regularly review team roles and responsibilities to ensure a good fit.
Irrigate and fertilize
What it is: Supporting team growth with resources and opportunities.
Why it is important: Stimulates productivity and innovation by providing the necessary tools and education.
Actionable steps: Invest in training and development programs that align with team goals.
Remove weeds
What it is: Creating a harmonious team environment free from disruptive elements.
Why it is important: Promotes healthy dynamics and stronger teamwork.
Actionable steps: Address conflicts promptly and constructively to maintain team cohesion.
You will have good seasons and bad seasons – you can’t control the weather only be prepared for it
What it is: Building resilience and adaptability in teams.
Why it is important: Ensures teams can thrive in varying conditions and recover from setbacks.
Actionable steps: Encourage a culture of continuous learning and flexibility to adapt to change.
Don’t shout at the crops
I was consulting with a successful start-up where stress levels were very high due to a high-profile project they were working on.
The quality of work was beginning to suffer, and team morale was low.
Their CEO was not known for “holding back” in raising his voice or vocally showing frustration.
We were about to head into a big meeting with their leadership team and the CEO pulled me aside and said to me:
“I hope you brought your earplugs because I am going to be shouting like no other in this meeting!”.
I then said to him, “Don’t shout at the crops”.
He had a very confused look on his face, which I expected.
I then gave him 5 quick lessons on how he should approach this instead.
Ensure everyone has a chance to speak without interruption.
Allow the team to see the issue from different angles, not just his.
Emphasize the team's past successes and the unique strengths of each member.
Including individuals who are struggling the most.
Express understanding and offer support.
Transform the situation from one of conflict into a learning opportunity.
Work together to outline a plan to correct what is happening.
Turn the situation into a team-building exercise rather than a chance to place blame and point fingers.
Hold one-on-one sessions to provide personalized support.
To reinforce what was talked about in the meeting for success.
As a result, the quality of work was resurrected, morale rebounded, and the project was steered back on course.
Personalized follow-up sessions ensured the momentum continued.
Embedding the success deeper within the team's culture.
Here's how you can make it real over the next 4 days:
Day 1: Reflective Journaling
Choose one of the 7 lessons you want to work on this week.
Take 10 minutes to journal about the lesson you’ve chosen.
Answer these questions:
Why did you choose this lesson?
What do you hope to improve by focusing on it?
ChatGPT Prompt to Help: "I've chosen [insert your chosen lesson] to focus on this week. Help me analyze why this leadership lesson might resonate with someone and how it could potentially benefit their professional development.”
Day 2: Active Listening
Engage in at least one conversation where you practice active listening.
Focus solely on understanding the speaker without planning your response.
ChatGPT Prompt to Help: "I need assistance in understanding the effects of active listening in a conversation. Provide an analysis of [insert your scenario] where active listening could have altered the outcome."
Day 3: Change of Perspective
Approach a task or conversation with the intent to see it from someone else's viewpoint.
Write down any new insights you gain from this exercise.
ChatGPT Prompt to Help: "Guide me through an exercise that helps to see a situation from another person's viewpoint and explain how this might lead to a deeper understanding."
Day 4: Personal Growth Plan
Draft a simple plan on how you can continue to apply the chosen lesson in your daily work life.
Include at least one specific, measurable action you’ll take in the coming weeks.
ChatGPT Prompt to Help: "I'm looking to create a personal growth plan focused on [insert your lesson]. Help me outline actionable steps and suggest ways to track progress over time"
As you integrate these lessons into your leadership style, remember that the most enduring legacy a leader can leave is not just in the successes achieved.
But in the inspiration and empowerment bestowed upon others.
I hope these lessons inspire you to be the kind of leader who leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Until next week and with lots of love,
Justin
This Week’s Growth Recommendations
Book To Read:
"Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee.
TED Talk to Watch
"How Great Leaders Inspire Action" by Simon Sinek
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