“Turns out, the best thing I could do for our farm wasn’t working harder—it was stepping back. This is a story about culture, clarity, and what happens when you get the heck out of the way.” by Chad
I had an amazing conversation this week with a new co-worker. We talked about standards and Syngenta’s culture of accountability (metal sharpens metal). Yep – I’m almost two weeks into the new job and loving it (albeit the honeymoon phase). And Jeana is saying she feels like she’s gotten more done since I’ve been gone than she has in 2 years of me being here (ha ha). But in all seriousness, maybe a better role for me in our business is as an owner and not an operator. Plus, I couldn’t be more excited to help figure out how to get farmers to use our biological products.
Historically, biological products have been something complex for people to “translate” to farmers. We’re talking about seaweed from the Norwegian coast – & products isolated from plants and more. Biological products in agriculture are gaining momentum. A real awakening of a new way to do things. A new way to help plants thrive. It’s like a whole new language we can speak to plants in. As compelling as it sounds – our largest opportunity is farmers and retail partners who’ve never heard of or talked about these products.
Listening to a podcast, headed to the gym this week, I heard someone mention – “metal sharpens metal”. I was like – that’s a perfect follow up to the “Jeana Fires Chad” blog.
Plus, I thought there may be interest in how it’s going. The “ah hah” if you will was – this is what one of my great friends and mentors talks about:
“Esprit de Cor”
It’s French for “The spirit of the body (group).” What I realized on my entrepreneurial journey the past ten years – there’s a big difference being part of an established culture where accountability is high (metal sharpens metal) and trying to create and maintain those standards on your own, or with your spouse.
Speaking from experience, starting a business from scratch and creating a culture is so reliant upon the owners. And in a small company that means holding yourself accountable to self-imposed deadlines, self-imposed policies and procedures. Gosh – you’ve got to create the policies and procedures. And you’ve got to be resourceful in finding unique ways to impose standards. I can’t say enough how much we appreciate what Sustainable WA has done for our standards. We also have to be very careful who we hire. If you’re a team of 2 and hire 1 more person – it can have a big impact on culture.
In a large company culture is still incredibly intentional. From collaboration to clear targets, to health and safety to employee wellness – large companies choose how to execute these pieces. As for metal sharpens metal – well – it seems to me, if a large company holds high standards, eventually the people employed there help cultivate those standards en masse. When two pieces of iron strike each other, each one becomes sharper.
When committed, capable people work side by side, each improves the other. That is just part of the metaphor. As metal strikes metal each piece is shaped by the interaction.
I’m so excited to back at Syngenta. To reconnect with old friends and colleagues and see that Espirit de Cor is better than ever. The energy is electric. The passion to serve farmers is stronger than ever.
So how is it going? As I described above – I’m glad to be back at Syngenta and am excited to be challenged. I’m finding it powerful to be jumping into a life where “metal sharpens metal” surrounded by all these great people. Jeana and I are happy with the change. She’s doing an amazing job jumping right in to give me space for the new job. I heard her say earlier this week – “Chad, it’s nice to have something to talk about besides the farm and winery.” I’m so grateful for Jeana’s partnership and support. When you see her next, maybe tell her how much better things are with her in charge. Jeana and I are really excited for how this will help us keep fueling our vision of being a destination and place people find real connection. And the Espirit de Cor is strong at Chelan Valley Farms and Lagriōth Winery.
