Measuring the gains from motivating staff

Working with a group of managers and assistant managers who are involved in farm management, estate maintenance and vegetable packing. 

We started the day with the group reviewing where they've been able to increase motivation and engagement with their team following the last session.   

A variety of different examples were highlighted by the group, including: 

1. Starting to save on wearing parts on cultivation equipment by delegating the task and having the individual shop around 

2. With 17km of hedging to do, one manager has broken the goal down into smaller weekly and daily targets to motivate the team 

3. With forward planning a packhouse manager was still able to manage staff hours and give time off during a particularly busy time. This led to the best performance from the staff to date, which was also rewarded with a cash bonus 

4. In another farming business a combination of staff reviews, setting up individual training, reviewing longer term plans and financial performance has generated greater engagement from the team overall 

5. One manager on a livestock enterprise delegated record keeping of the beef herd to the stockman, which generated more engagement for the stockman and saved the manager four hours' work per week 

Building stronger networks of communication

The rest of the day was devoted to looking at applied communication at work relating to building stronger networks of communication, how to influence and negotiate positive outcomes in the workplace, and trading with suppliers and customers. 

I’m looking forward to hear what progress the group have made when we next meet. We'll then look at how they lead and what they can do to enhance their leadership effectiveness. 

The delegates on completion of the programme and associated assignments will gain the ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management, which is a nationally-recognised qualification promoting professionalism in management.