Peter Hughes
Agri and Family Business Consultant; Farmers Weekly columnist
The power of co-operation
South Africa’s private game reserves provide a model that all farmers – and politicia I write this as dawn breaks, surrounded by the sounds of bushveld birds coming awake. ns – can learn from.
Viva piece work!
‘Task work’ drives down productivity and sets management and workers up against each other. ‘Piece work’ is the only way to get productivity up and enable workers to earn more.
13 ways to build trust
Currently, trust in most levels of our society is as low as it’s ever been. We have to fix this if we’re ever to see the promise that the Rainbow Nation once held for us all.
Avoid your own Guptagate
Your personal integrity sets the ethical tone for your organisation. Keep the standards high.
Get rid of gwaza
A task-work system that rewards exceptional workers with time-off is a recipe for low productivity and a killer of incentive. If you’re using it, ditch it! But make sure you carry out your homework first.
Labour lessons from Oz
The time has come for us to learn some lessons from the most labour-efficient farmers in the world.
Cost cutting – Are you in the danger zone?
Don’t become obsessed with cost-cutting. Profit is what really matters – and this requires revenue.
Now’s the time for brainstorming
Fine-tuning costs may not be enough to keep the business solvent. Use brainstorming to generate new ideas which will make a real difference.
Don’t cut the wrong costs!
The savings from cutbacks are easily calculated, but be very careful about taking decisions which save money now and cost much more in years to come.
Wage woes
It’s tough times once again for farmers, but with the right attitude, good relationships and some well-planned initiatives, the show will go on.
Don’t panic – we’ll make it
We’ve had to deal with shock cost increases before. All we need are cool heads, calm analysis and decision-making.
How to increase productivity
The only way we can improve productivity is by working smarter, not harder – and it starts with how your treat your labour force.
Selling the farm
It might be difficult to think of selling your farm, but now’s the time to start preparing for that day.
Do you know your way out?
Setting up the rules of engagement in a business partnership is important, but the rules of disengagement are even more vital.
Business going badly? Look in the mirror to see why
When things go wrong, we blame the weather, labour, Eskom, government or someone else. But, sad to say, bad management is usually the problem.
Take charge!
Each and every farmer needs to take a lead in fixing the current ‘labour situation’ – because we can’t count on government.
The Timbali model of success
The Timbali model offers a way forward to get the country out of the mess we’re in with land reform and declining food production. But it needs strong management, tenacity and patience.
Managing to avoid trouble
Being able to identify the ‘triggers’ and ‘aggravating factors’ might just help us to avoid a Marikana from happening on our farms.
Optimism spells success
Whatever the difficulties, pessimists have no place in good management. If you feel an attack of negativity coming on, seek a cure – and fast!
Preparing for violence at work
Simmering grievances can enable a strong leader to easily lead your employees to commit violence, so you have to be prepared for such an eventuality.
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