In agriculture we tend to define success in acres, yield or livestock numbers, sales and dollars. We are comfortable in things we can measure.
For many farmers and agribusiness owners who get to the point of measurable financial success, they go through a time of feeling blindsided by the sheer demand on their time that pulls them away from things they love and over to a more permanent attachment to the office chair.
How is it that we can count on our success to fulfill the other parts of the whole? As we are simply made up of lived experiences – and as agriculture is generally autonomous — we must ask ourselves if we have defined success in a way that actually reflects our true selves. Certainly, we accept that net profit in a regenerative agricultural enterprise is necessary and contributes to the economy of a community — but one has to question if there is not something more.
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Young business leaders from all walks of life have a very different expectation of themselves. Yes, they want to make money and spur growth but they do not wish to do this at the cost of their family, friends or health.
To feel inspired and to grow through difficult times, the key was servitude. Servitude brings into focus the impact we can have in our communities and fosters well-being within ourselves. Think of the people at your own rural community hall who set up for the events, cook and clean. They show up, work hard and have fun. The impact of their actions resonates throughout the region. Success is in making a difference.
We tend to think of the values of agriculture as rather old fashioned and fortunately what was old is new again as successful business leaders treasure their values and live by them. Old time ethics such as honesty, integrity and respect were the drivers they strive to live by.
Humility is not at the top of the list as a whole generation is ok with saying who they are, what they do and how much they make. It’s just simply not a secret anymore and that sharing is seen as a way to ignite the conversation to explore higher plains of thought.
Self growth comes from asking a lot of questions — something that polite Canadian farmers are not very good at. Yet the strongest leadership trait and the first identified ingredient in the recipe for success was curiosity. There are opportunities thrown at us everyday and rather than politely decline, success may be found in taking the chance to innovate and to grow.
A great example and perhaps one of the greatest opportunities for agriculture is the Nuffield Canada Agricultural Scholarship which gives recipients a window to the world in a vast array of ag related study. Fueled by curiosity and inspired by those accomplished in a chosen field of interest, scholars have the opportunity to create the ultimate success story on their own farms and businesses.
That’s dreaming big — and dreaming big is important — but bearing witness to the triumph of others and bringing that knowledge home is invaluable. Empowering others is not only a leadership trait but the foundation of business success and according to young professionals today it is that harmony and that fostering of relationships that are core.
Even in the best of times making tough decisions is part of the gig. Currently we see a lot more walking away from dysfunctional situations and less tolerance for inappropriate behaviour. Getting on with the business means environmental and social consciousness. Consumers want to see that right from the food they eat to the cars they drive. We must treat people right.
It is true that being financially successful is paramount and one of the greatest benefits to our company, farm and our community. But success is more complex an outcome than simple numbers.
It is the respect and empowerment of others, the burn of curiosity, the willingness to adapt in business and in life. It is fostering a healthy, loving environment, giving back and taking pride that someone else aced it! It is rolling lived experience into a smile — knowing that while it may not get you out of the lead role or that dreaded office chair — you truly made a difference.
