Learning to be an effective manager often requires a mental shift in how we see ourselves. Chances are good that you got into farming because you liked the work of farming. Once you have employees, your job will require more time spent managing the work of others.
You may well find yourself helping others to be successful at the tasks that you once enjoyed doing while your own time will be spent hiring, training, recordkeeping and managing. Learning to enjoy wearing the manager’s hat may take some practice but it can be done. Special consideration should be given to situations where you may be used to farming with a family member. An important rule for successful employee management is “one boss” – this means that each employee has one (and only one) person they report to and take direction from. If you’re used to working as part of a family unit identify who the manager will be and make sure you communicate that clearly to your employees.
Use this Assessing Personnel Management Skills checklist to consider the various aspects of being a successful human resources manager and identify your strengths and areas where you may want to work on developing your knowledge and skills.