4 key skills for effective supervision in your farm business

This text has been adapted with permission from an article written by AGRIcarrières [French only], Quebec's agricultural production workforce sectoral committee, entitled "Comment assurer une bonne supervision?" [How to be a good supervisor].

The agriculture sector is facing a major labour shortage that is expected to worsen over the next decade. To attract and retain workers, you need to stand out through effective supervision. Here are four essential skills to help you succeed in this role.

1. Develop clear guidelines

You are in the best position to have an overall picture of your employees' tasks and responsibilities. It's not just about knowing how to do the job, it's also about understanding each person's role and the difficulties they may encounter.

Clearly communicate roles and functions to each employee from the start to avoid confusion, frustration and conflict. Employees need to know where to go with questions or problems. Provide extra support for casual or seasonal workers, so that they have all the information and tools they need to do their jobs properly.

Some tips:

• Create an organizational chart of your business

• Determine each employee's level of responsibility

• Create job profiles, including required skills

2. Communicate clearly and regularly

Constructive, ongoing feedback helps clarify the direction and pace of work. Evaluating employees once a year is not enough, as those who don't own the business may not feel the same commitment to it. Setting realistic goals and highlighting their accomplishments on a regular basis helps keep team members motivated.

Some tips:

• Hold regular team meetings

• Give employees daily feedback

• Highlight the team's successes

3. Involve the team members

Your employees don't just carry out instructions. They're in the trenches and have skills and experience to draw on. They know the challenges they face. Take the time to listen to their needs and suggestions. Their ideas will help you implement concrete solutions to improve performance.

To do this, practise active listening by asking probing questions such as "What do you think?" or "Explain your idea to me." Feeling valued and consulted increases pride, motivation, a sense of belonging and investment in the business.

Pay special attention to work-life balance and rest time as well. By taking care of your employees in this way, you help build a relationship of trust.

Some tips:

• Be transparent

• Welcome feedback and implement your employees' ideas

• Encourage dialogue and questions rather than answers

• Listen without judging

• Reduce distractions during interactions (texting, email, phone calls, etc.)

4. Respect employees' decision-making autonomy

Being a good leader also means avoiding certain negative behaviours. Delegating tasks and accepting that they will be done differently than you expect is essential. On the other hand, constant control over employees is counterproductive. The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec (CNESST) illustrates the realities faced by workers in its awareness campaign "Les risques pour la santé psychologique au travail, ce n'est pas de la fiction" [mental health risks at work – it's not fiction, in French only]. On its website, it says that decision-making autonomy is a sign of respect and trust in employees, which goes a long way toward increasing job satisfaction.

Some tips:

• Encourage continuous improvement

• Trust your employees

• Show your appreciation regularly

Bottom line
Getting supervision right is good for your business. By mastering the necessary skills and abilities, you'll foster greater commitment from your team. A healthier work environment, where employees feel competent, will allow you to maximize their potential and well-being.

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