Think like a farmer: 7 leadership lessons from farming

Leadership is not just about managing people or overseeing projects—it's about nurturing growth, fostering resilience, and maintaining the cycle of progress. One of the best ways to learn about leadership is to think like a farmer.

Farmers work with nature, cultivating crops over time, learning from seasons, and adapting to challenges. Here are 7 key leadership lessons inspired by farming that can help you grow in your role as a leader.

7 leadership lessons inspired by farming

1. Pick the best plants for the soil

Not all crops thrive in every environment. A farmer carefully selects plants suited to the soil and climate. Similarly, in leadership, you must assess your team’s strengths and assign roles that align with their natural abilities and skills.

By doing so you can boost the chances of success. Leveraging each team member's unique qualities is crucial for a productive and harmonious workplace.

2. Avoid yelling at the crops

Many leaders often fall into the trap of expecting immediate results, which leads to frustration when outcomes don’t align with their expectations. This situation can be compared to farming; just as farmers do not yell at their crops to speed up their growth, leaders should not anticipate instant progress from their teams. Growth is inherently a gradual process.

Leaders need to cultivate patience in the development process. Rushing or applying excessive pressure can be detrimental to team dynamics and overall progress. Instead, leaders should focus on equipping their teams with the necessary tools and creating an environment that fosters growth.

3. Don't blame crops for slow growth

Farmers know that crop growth is influenced by a range of factors, including weather conditions and soil quality. In a similar vein, leaders should understand that the development of team members and projects occurs at varying paces.

When progress appears sluggish, it’s time to evaluate the bottlenecks instead of assigning blame. Good leadership means adjusting expectations and strategies to meet the needs of the situation.

4. Don't uproot too early; give crops the time to grow

When a farmer uproots crops too fast, they rob them of the chance to mature and yield results. In leadership, this translates to the importance of letting your people grow in their roles.

Avoid removing someone from a task or position because they’re not performing as expected in the short term. Sometimes a team needs support, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop in their own way. Be patient with your staff and allow them to find their footing.

5. Remove the weeds

Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, space, and sunlight. In a leadership context, “weeds” are the negative influences, distractions, or toxic behaviours that can drain energy and hinder progress.

It's important to identify and address these challenges early on—whether they are unproductive attitudes, inefficiencies, or interpersonal conflicts. By removing these "weeds", you help your team focus on what truly matters and create a healthier work environment.

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6. Fertilise crops regularly

Like plants need water and nutrients to grow, your team needs consistent support, training, and development. A good leader will provide the right resources and environment for the team to flourish.

This means regular communication, offering constructive feedback, and creating opportunities. Just as farmers fertilise their crops to improve harvests, leaders must equip their teams by upskilling and developing for success.

7. Be prepared for good and bad seasons

Farmers cannot control the weather, but they can get ready for it. The same goes for leadership. There are good times when projects succeed, the team feels motivated, and everything runs smoothly.

But there are also tough times when things do not go as planned, causing problems, or challenges that seem too big to handle. A good leader understands that these ups and downs are part of the work. What’s important is being ready for challenges, adapting to change, and staying stable even during difficult times.

The bottom line

Thinking like a farmer offers a special view on leadership. It’s not about demanding quick results or controlling everything. It’s about supporting your team, providing the right tools, and being patient as you help them grow. By using these 7 leadership lessons, you’ll build a strong team that is flexible and prepared to face any challenges that come your way!