In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine Froese and Lydia Carpenter, part of Elaine’s coaching team, explore the crucial elements of emotional strength in farm leadership. With a focus on empowering both seasoned founders and the next generation of farmers, Elaine and Lydia share practical strategies for fostering resilience, navigating tough conversations, and building trust within farm families. From embracing accountability and adaptability to fostering empathy and open communication, this episode offers invaluable insights for cultivating emotional resilience and fostering harmony in farm leadership. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this episode provides actionable advice for becoming an emotionally strong leader on the farm.

“It's stepping back and rising to the occasion of becoming an emotionally strong leader without stepping away.”

Timestamps:

4:54 Discusses emotional intelligence in agriculture, mentioning the importance of self-reflection and adaptability.

9:18 Reviews building emotional strength in farmers through peer networks and mentorship.

12:43 Discusses using performance appraisals to identify strengths and weaknesses, improve management support, and foster self-reflection among resistant older farmers.

16:59 Shares personal experience as a first-generation farmer and relates to founders' challenges in transferring knowledge to the next generation.

20:57 Emphasizes the importance of a shared leadership journey for both generations, with a focus on communication, appreciation, and forgiveness.

25:45 Reviews how clarity of expectations, emotional health, and agreements are key for successful farm leadership.

Lydia Carpenter lives and farms in Manitoba and is a mediator and coach with Elaine Froese Farm Family Coach. She has a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources Management with a research focus in rural livelihoods. She has hands-on experience as an owner/operator and built a profitable cattle grazing and beef business as a first-generation farmer. Lydia and her spouse/ business partner are also part of a family farm transition plan with non-family. She is most passionate about the human relationships needed to make farming and rural communities really work. Her passion for the people in agriculture has driven her pursuit of lifelong learning and relationship building. For more information, visit: https://elainefroese.com/coaching/coaching-team/

• Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/

• Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking

• Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching

• Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books

• Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb

• Order The Emotionally Strong Leader by Carolyn Stern Here: https://carolynstern.com/book/

• Check out the Being an Emotionally Strong Farm Parent Article Here: https://www.grainews.ca/farm-life/being-an-emotionally-strong-farm-parent/

• Check out the Country Guide November 2023 Edition Here: https://www.country-guide.ca/digital-edition/country-guide_2023-10-31/

• Check out the Country Guide February 2024 Edition Here: https://www.country-guide.ca/digital-edition/country-guide_2024-01-30/

• Our founding member’s launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership

• Improve the HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY of your ranch, the PROFITABILITY of your business, and the QUALITY of your life. Join the Ranching for Profit: https://ranchmanagement.com/ranching-for-profit-school-2/

I hope you found this episode on How to be an Emotionally Strong Leader on a Farm as insightful as we did!

In this thought-provoking episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, What Does Money Mean to You? Elaine and financial psychologist Dr. Moira Somers dive into the complexities of wealth and legacy within affluent families. They explore the intricate web of personal narratives surrounding money, emphasizing its profound impact on family dynamics and future planning. Throughout their discussion, they stress the importance of financial responsibility, literacy, and effective communication in managing family wealth and resolving conflicts. Together, they provide practical insights and guidance for navigating the intricate landscape of wealth, fostering sustainable wealth management, and leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.

“If you can show up peaceably, in regards to your relationship to money, you can often show up much more peaceably in regards to relationships in general.”

Timestamps:

4:18: Discuss the challenge of transferring wealth to the next generation, particularly for those who have experienced financial insecurity in the past.

11:54: Emphasize the importance of financial education and literacy, particularly for women, and encourage them to seek advice from trustworthy advisors.

22:51: Discuss challenges in having difficult conversations with farm families about transferring wealth, including feelings of embarrassment and humiliation around not meeting expectations.

27:20: Acknowledge difficulty in equally distributing wealth within a family business, suggesting mechanisms for addressing this issue.

31:42 Discuss the importance of sharing emotions and perspectives on money management in a family farm business.

Dr. Moira Somers is a psychologist, family wealth consultant and executive coach. She specializes in the psychology of money. Moira addresses matters that range from the highly personal concerns of individuals and families all the way up to broader service, design and structural issues affecting financial follow-through and equitable access to capital. 

Visit her website for more information: https://moneymindandmeaning.com/

Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/

Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.

Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb

Our founding Members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership.

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine is joined by friend Lauren Lundt. Lauren shares her journey from Central Florida to Iowa, marrying into a multi-generational farming family. Facing unexpected challenges like the passing of her father-in-law, Lauren offers insights into building relationships with in-laws and finding her place in the farming community.

Together, Lauren and Elaine discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and embracing change. Lauren's story highlights the need for understanding and flexibility as farm families navigate evolving dynamics.

“I hate texting for communication… I'm a big believer in being able to see people's eyeballs. And the eyes are the window to the soul and to have a sense of the tonality”.

Timestamps

6:57 Discusses how in-laws face challenges in adjusting to new roles and emotional support after the loss of a spouse.

10:49 Reveals helpful communication strategies for in-laws.

15:53 Lauren describes her experience with her husband and in-laws after the death of her father-in-law and one of the founders of their farm.

24:45 Elaine and Lauren reflect on their experience with in-laws in agriculture, mentioning the importance of cultural DNA and the need for vulnerability and honesty in decision-making.

29:38 Emphasizes how to balance farm work and family life, highlighting the tension between work and play for the next generation.

Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/

Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.

Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb

Our founding Members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony podcast, Elaine is joined by her special guest and fellow coach, Crisol Gonzalez, calling in from her dairy farm in Mexico. As a bilingual coach working with Spanish-speaking families across North America, Crisol brings a unique perspective to the table. With her background in law, education, and family facilitation, Crisol is well-equipped to tackle the challenges faced by farm families.

Elaine and Crisol dive deep into the intricacies of family meetings, focusing on how to build a conducive environment for fruitful discussions. They emphasize the importance of setting a clear theme for each meeting and establishing guidelines that promote respect, honesty, and active listening. Crisol shares practical strategies for managing conflicts and navigating diverse communication styles within the family.

“The first meeting that you are going to facilitate in your family, is the one that sets the ground for everybody to trust.”

Timestamps:

6:41 Highlights how the agenda should be focused on exploring the big-picture vision for the farm and family, with ground rules established to ensure productive discussion.

11:36 The group discusses using a shared values board as a reminder of their chosen values during heated or unexpected moments.

17:44 Crisol expresses frustration with a culture that wants things done quickly, but also recognizes the importance of planning and preparation for transition.

23:14 Crisol recommends creating a safe space for family members to express their love and appreciation for each other, which can lead to more meaningful and productive conversations.

Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/

Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.

Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb

Our founding Members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony podcast, Elaine explores the art of perspective-taking and its crucial role in fostering positive communication and understanding within farm families undergoing transitions. With practical tips and real-life examples, Elaine dives into the power of active listening, curiosity-driven questioning, and reframing perspectives to navigate complex family dynamics and succession planning challenges. Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for creating a harmonious farm culture rooted in empathy and mutual understanding.

"Making the other person feel that you are taking their concerns seriously, results in the other person, feeling understood."

Timestamps:

5:01 Emphasizes the importance of understanding and aligning perspectives among family members and founders in the transition of farm management.

7:36 Uses why" questions to understand family members' land desires, promoting constructive dialogue.

13:39 Encourages the next generation to explore limiting beliefs and perspectives that may be hindering their growth.

16:00 Emphasizes the importance of curiosity, recognition, and communication in the transition process.

Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/

Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.

Order Words That Change Minds Here: https://amzn.to/3RQUVKb

Our founding Members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in October: elainefroese.com/membership

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine explores the challenges and opportunities of conflict resolution, providing practical strategies and insights for fostering harmony and understanding.

Elaine welcomes Dr. Ken Keis, a renowned expert in behavioral assessment strategies and leadership. Together, they dive into the theme of conflict communication, unraveling the complexities of interpersonal dynamics on the farm. From understanding personal styles to navigating core values, Elaine and Dr. Keis provide invaluable guidance on bridging the gap between differing perspectives.

Discover how recognizing and honoring individual differences can transform conflict into an opportunity for growth and collaboration within your farm family. With real-life anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode equips listeners with the tools they need to navigate conflict communication with empathy, respect, and resilience.

Tune in to "Why Aren't You More Like Me?" and embark on a journey towards healthier, more harmonious relationships within your farm family. Learn to embrace diversity, foster open dialogue, and build a foundation of trust that transcends conflict. 

Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/

Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.

Order Why Aren't You More Like Me? Here: https://amzn.to/3vpnx63

Our Farm Family Transition Membership provides simple, practical, and actionable tools to get traction in your farm transition. Doors are now open. Join the Farm Family Transition Membership today: elainefroese.com/membership

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine shares essential tips for initiating and navigating tough conversations within farm families, with a focus on the critical topic of transition. She emphasizes the importance of mature communication, internal reflection on desires, and understanding the emotional aspects of these discussions. Practical advice on financial considerations and seeking external support is provided, along with a helpful checklist for families embarking on their transition journey.

Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/

Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.

Order The Emotionally Strong Leader from Carolyn Stern here: https://amzn.to/3NUiCjU

Our founding members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in February:  elainefroese.com/membership

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine welcomes special guest Shelby Watson-Hampton, a fourth-generation farmer, marketing specialist, and author of "Grace, Grit, and Lipstick." Join the conversation as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of farm life, emphasizing effective communication, work-life balance, and the power of mentorship. Gain insights, practical tips, and inspiration for navigating your journey with grace and confidence. Tune in for a celebration of the unique stories and contributions of women in agriculture. Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/

Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books.

Order Grace, Grit & Lipstick from Shelby Watson-Hampton here: amazon.ca/Grace-Grit-Lipstick-Farm-Curious-Friends-ebook Our founding members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in February:  elainefroese.com/membership

In this episode of the Farm Family Harmony Podcast, Elaine engages with Lindsay Gillon (Seafoot), an HR specialist near Wawanesa, Manitoba. Lindsay sheds light on navigating HR challenges in agriculture, offering practical tips for farmers and agribusinesses. The episode provides valuable insights into building HR foundations and ensuring a harmonious work environment. Listen now for expert advice on simplifying the complexities of HR in the agricultural sector. Download for free here: elainefroese.com/free-planning-resources/ Book Elaine Froese to Speak at Your Next Event: elainefroese.com/speaking Get a Farm Transition coach: elainefroese.com/coaching Shop Elaine’s Bookstore: elainefroese.com/shop/#books. Our founding Members launch is now past, and if you’d like to be on the waitlist to join our Farm Family Transition Membership, please sign up for the waitlist to join us in February: elainefroese.com/membership