8 ways next-gen farmers can build respect

Sometimes, the next generation of family members or employees don’t feel they can earn credibility with the old guard or senior generation. The following are some tips gleaned from some young ones in the younger generation who have broken through and earned credibility and respect.

Transitioning a business from one generation to the next is not easy. One particularly difficult area is how to bring the next generation on board. The young next generation brings energy and new ideas, While the senior generation brings financial capital and wisdom.

These tips are gleaned from young clients I’ve worked with across the USA and Canada. It’s not an all-inclusive list, but a few of the better ones I’ve picked up from watching what has worked.

The 8 tips to build credibility and respect.

1. Look for opportunities to make things better. It may be something small like organizing the shop area or cleaning. Better could be something new, but often, it’s improving or maintaining something that’s already working.
2. Ask for permission to run with the ball. Then run with it. You have the energy, and the senior generation has the capital. Asking permission before you spend their capital is always a good thing. Once you get the green light, go! If you ask for permission and get a no, respect the no.
3. Build relationships with people who matter. For example, while it may be tempting to spend time at conferences with people your own age, get to know the people with the white hair. They have connections and are excited to get to know the energetic and smart younger generation.
4. Communicate outside your comfort zone. If you want to be influential, use all types of communication, not just those you are most comfortable with. Texting (passive communication) is great for minor things, but crucial conversations need face-to-face time (active communication). Get good at talking in front of people. You’ll need to be able to communicate with accountants, attorneys, employees, and others. Spend time improving your written skills. It’s easy to lose written skills by only using texting, but a well-written email or proposal will get noticed.
5. Improve people skills. Get comfortable shaking hands and making eye contact. It’s old school, but it still works.
6. Present solutions when you present problems. If something isn’t working, whether equipment, personnel or a process, bring up the problem but also think through solutions and bring those up as well.
7. Ask good questions – Asking questions shows strength of character, not weakness. You have a different perspective and different experiences. Find smart, successful people and ask questions. Figure out what made them successful and how things work in their business. Most importantly, ask why they do things a certain way. People will be flattered you are interested in what they have done and will be willing to share.
8. Own the problem. Leaders of any business are problem solvers. Take some of their problems away by taking ownership of the problem and solving it. Lessor people drop their problems at the feet of the owners and walk away. Do the opposite, and you’ll gain credibility and respect.

Across the USA and Canada there is a mind-boggling number of businesses changing hands in ownership and leadership within the next decade. Business is about change, but some aspects of leadership and business are still as valid today as they were 100 years ago. For young and old alike.