From mate to manager: supporting the leadership shift
In many horticulture businesses, leadership doesn’t come through a formal pathway - it’s earned in the paddock - the best picker becomes the supervisor, the most reliable operator steps up to manage a crew, or the longest-serving team member is handed more responsibility.
But leading people takes more than technical know-how. And too often, new leaders are left to figure that out on the fly, navigating the tricky shift from "mate" to "manager" with little support.
The risks of not supporting our people make the transition from good workers to great leaders are significant and can have a direct impact on attraction and retention, performance and productivity, workplace culture and team morale. Failing to support new and emerging leaders doesn’t just risk their success, it impacts your entire operation.
With such wide-reaching impacts, leadership development is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s an investment in both your people and your bottom line.
A one-off training session might tick a box but won’t necessarily build lasting capability. To drive real performance, businesses can benefit significantly from programs of learning, paced over time for deeper learning and reflection. These programs should be relevant to real roles and challenges, and practical and easy to apply on the job.
Structured and ongoing leadership development programs with a cohort of like-minded learners harness collaborative learning with peers; allow for concepts to be implemented over the course of the program and revisited with real time feedback to boost retention and impact. Leaders who develop together become more confident, capable and connected.
Futhermore, in-person learning has made a powerful comeback, especially in hands-on industries like horticulture. It keeps people engaged, encourages practical discussion, and allows time for real growth.
What plans do you have in place to intentionally develop your key people?
The team at Focus HR is kicking off another 12-month Lead with Focus program in August 2025. This program offers over 30 hours of practical and engaging leadership development sessions, delivered face-to-face and online.
Alternatively, Focus HR can tailor a leadership program specifically for your needs.
If you’re ready to equip your leaders with the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive – we’d love to help!
QFVG has been supporting horticultural growers with information and advice on workplace relations, human resource management and workplace health and safety for over 20 years. Today, we partner with consultants, and QFVG Partner Who Cares, Focus HR to deliver tailored and expert advice to our members.
Grower Members enjoy a range of benefits including:
Two hours complimentary workplace relations advice per year.
Discounts on all products in the Workplace Relations Shop and full range of services provided by Focus HR.
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Not a member? Join us today to unlock exclusive member benefits.
