Why best leaders think like farmers: Growing up, there was a guarantee that the long rains would start in March and end in May every year. Then came climate change and now we just have hope that it will rain when it should and farmers cannot predict the seasons accurately.
Well, smart farmers know that they have to adapt to change be it changing weather patterns, pests or even market prices.
Smart farmers draw many parallels to effective leaders. I have observed the following pointers that are similar between farmers and great leaders. Can you think of some more?
1. Patience will yield results
Crops do not grow overnight. A farmer waits through seasons, tending daily to eventual harvest or reward. Similarly, leaders must nurture teams and strategies with patience, understanding that growth is often slow but steady.
2. Adaptability and agility
Farmers must adapt to changes in weather, pests, market prices etc. In the same way, effective leaders are flexible and responsive to change, pivoting when needed and not rigid in the face of uncertainty.
3. Long term vision
Farming decisions often focus on the next season or year, not just today. Great leaders also think beyond short-term wins. They plan for sustainability and long-term impact.
On this one, let me share a quick story about a meeting I held a while ago with a bank client and the Managing Director, KCB Kenya Mrs Annastacia Kimtai. She started the meeting with a few remarks among them that the company has existed for over 128 years. She stated that the workers (management and staff) are stewards entrusted to ensure that the company lasts for the next 100+ years.
You see, the point she was making was that the decisions that would be made that day would have an impact on the company and contribute to making a difference on whether or not the company lasts for the next 100+ years. It was not just about that day, but for posterity. I found this to be profound.
4. Resilience despite failure
Crops fail. Droughts and floods happen. Bumper harvests may tank market prices. This does not make farmers quit; good farmers take the lessons and replant. Smart farmers take insurance over their crops with KCB Insurance Agency Ltd (KCBIA), or any other agent of their choice.
Successful farmers are resilient. Like the energizer bunny, they never say die.
Leadership lesson? Resilience is essential. Leaders must learn from failures, regroup, apply lessons learnt and push forward.
5. Stewardship over ownership/ lordship
Farmers see themselves as caretakers of the land. They do not look at the crops as their king – almighty and powerful. No! Instead, they tend and care for the crops and animals without intimidation and ownership intrigues. They take out the weeds that could choke the crops and hinder growth.
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True leaders view their role as stewards of people, resources, and vision, rather than dictators or owners. Back to my short story above, it was not about flexing power (which she has, by the way). It was about doing the right thing and making decisions as a custodian, a faithful steward.
Good leaders create an environment that facilitates growth. They open doors of opportunities and remove obstacles that may hinder productivity. They provide guidance and lead by example.
6. Hard Work and Consistency
Daily labour, even when the results are not visible, is what sustains the farm. Imagine having planted a seed, how long does it take to germinate? In the meantime, the farmer is expected to water and perhaps apply fertilizer even when they have not seen any shoot from the ground.
In short, there are no shortcuts. Leadership is about showing up consistently and doing the work, even when it is hard or results are not yet showing. There are no quick fixes.
7. Community Matters
Farming often relies on local communities, and neighbours helping each other during harvest or crisis. In my village, I have observed that during various seasons – planting, weeding and harvesting – neighbours often come together and work one farm after another together.
For great leaders, building and leaning on a strong, supportive network creates resilience and shared success. The responsibilities on leaders can be overwhelming. Without leaning on networks and the community around you, the tasks can be daunting. Without delegating effectively, burnout awaits.
They say seven (7) is the number of perfection. In our case here, I think perfection is way ahead down the road. Can you think of other comparisons between farmers and effective leaders?
About the Author
Millicent Mello is an experienced corporate banker, having worked with some of Kenya’s leading commercial banks. She is also a business writer and mentor.
To reach her, email [email protected]
