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An Introvert’s Guide to Giving Employee Feedback

By Kaitlyn Lutz

A few weeks ago, I was sitting around a table in a farm office reviewing some employee feedback with the farm management team. Employees, almost unanimously, were asking for more job-related feedback from the supervisors and owners. This was important to work on since giving quality and timely feedback usually improves employee performance and job satisfaction.

While throwing out suggestions on how to achieve this, the farm owner asked this astute and humbling question- how do you give feedback successfully as an introvert? This was a barrier I hadn’t spent much time thinking about, despite my own introverted nature.

Here are some tips for our fellow introverted farmers searching to improve performance and strengthen connection with their farm team:

  • Mentality shift:

Feedback isn’t criticism or an “atta boy”, it’s a tool to help develop people and your business.

  • Keep it simple: Situation, Observation, Impact.

Example: “This morning while you were cleaning pens (situation), I noticed you were using headphones while driving the skid steer (observation). Wearing headphones prevents you from hearing what is going on around you and can cause accidents (impact). Please don’t wear headphones while operating machinery, we want to keep everyone safe.”

  • Keep it short, clear and timely.
  • More frequent, one-on-one rather than group meetings.
  • Aim for twice as much positive feedback as re-directive feedback.

The only way to feel more comfortable is to practice delivering feedback. Here’s a checklist to refer to as you start practicing:

  • Was my feedback specific (i.e., not just “good job”)?
  • Was I objective and job-focused, not emotional and person-focused?
  • Did I explain why it matters?
  • Did I suggest how to improve next time?

Remember, being genuine goes a long way and even though it may feel awkward at first, just like with anything new, practice is the only way to build the skill. The discomfort will fade as you see what a big difference quality feedback makes to your employee connection and your overall farm culture.

By Kaitlyn Lutz, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post An Introvert’s Guide to Giving Employee Feedback appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

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The Rules of Farming: 101

by Jay Canzonier

“2025 will be easy,” they said. Crops and livestock will flourish, markets will be favorable, and managing our farm businesses will be a snap, just like the good old days. Then reality set in: policy changes, rising input costs, and Mother Nature’s curveballs remind us how much is outside our control. An old agronomy professor imparted this wisdom on us: “Rule #2 in farming: Farmers can’t control the weather.”

He was right—but he left something out. We may not be able to command the weather or the markets, but we can control how we lead our team through challenging times.

As we head into harvest, here are a few controllables worth focusing on:

Attitude – Your most important controllable

  • Stay calm, positive, and focused. Your crew will follow your example.

Communication – Keep team members on the same page

  • Hold quick daily meetings.
  • Set clear expectations in simple terms.
  • Encourage team members to speak up when they are unsure or see something wrong.

Safety – Everyone goes home

  • Provide water for hydration and watch for signs of heat stress.
  • Issue hi-visibility vests and keep first-aid kits and fire extinguishers handy.
  • Maintain equipment and ensure operators are trained.

Recognition – The engine that fuels motivation

  • Say thank you often and mean it. Body language speaks louder than words.
  • Highlight individual and team successes.
  • Use small rewards like Freezie Pop breaks to boost morale.

So, what’s Rule #1 in farming? Too bad for us: “Farmers can’t change Rule #2”.

But by focusing on the controllables, we can lead our teams through whatever 2025 brings. Remember, your preparedness and attitude set the tone, and your crew will follow your lead. Good luck to your team and stay safe out there.

By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post The Rules of Farming: 101 appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

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STOP the stress and readjust

Tariffs, immigration enforcement, market declines, etc., there’s plenty of stress to go around. It’s helpful for us all, especially those who are leading others, to have some simple techniques to relieve stress, get control of our thinking, and deal with our emotions. Otherwise, the stress is in charge, not you.

I read a quick article today and wanted to share with you all. Consider the STOP mindfulness technique:

S: Stop what you are doing.

T: Take a breath, focus on your breathing in and out.

O: Observe your emotions, how your body feels, and your thoughts. Emotions are not you, they are just something you are experiencing right at this moment.

P: Proceed when you are ready, making adjustments you need based on your observations.

For anyone experiencing more serious emotional distress, remember that FarmNet is your go-to resource in New York. From their website:

“For free, confidential assistance from NY FarmNet, call 1-800-547-3276. If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, dial 988 for 24/7 support. If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.”

Remember to take time to take care of yourselves, and those you work with.