A Unique Professional Journey: Insights Beyond Conventional Wisdom
In farming, there’s nothing to beat the feeling of creating something from nothing.
A Path Forged Through Diverse Experiences
Embarking on a journey that has spanned various cultures and international farming businesses, and enriched by educational pursuits such as an MBA from Bath University, has led me to the fortunate position where I can step back, reflect, and then focus on my areas of greatest interest and passion: creating order out of chaos.
Reflecting on this journey, I'm eager to share a pivotal lesson: The importance of forging your own path.
This insight is not just for those with formal qualifications but may also resonate with anyone stepping into the professional or business world, regardless of their academic background.
The Pressure to Conform
In today's world, there's an overwhelming inclination towards uniformity, especially in professional practices. The prevailing notion suggests that success is contingent upon adherence to established norms and certifications. The example of project management is purely illustrative; it is often argued that without a specific certificate or degree, one's legitimacy in the role is questionable. Similarly, the use of ‘professional’ software tools like Microsoft Project or ‘professional’ management strategies, can be presented as indispensable.
This conformity, fuelled by societal expectations and self-doubt, deters many from venturing out, either due to a perceived lack of qualifications or the assumption that success is tethered to a complete adoption of a plethora of standard profesional methodologies.
Discernment and Adaptability: The Keys to Success
The reality, however, diverges significantly from this narrative. Success does not mandate a rigid adherence to tools or methodologies but rather requires a judicious selection of the aspects of these resources that align with one's unique circumstances.
The art of discernment in choosing what truly benefits your specific situation is invaluable. For instance, the utility of Excel spreadsheets over a formal Gantt chart system in project management can sometimes offer simplicity and efficiency.
It’s a myth that following a management tool ‘to the letter’ is the only path to success. Such an approach not only demands a substantial investment of time but may also constrain the scope of one's professional and personal life. For busy farm executives and managers, the priority is effectiveness, not the exhaustive utilisation of management tool features.
It wouldn’t be unusual for me to highlight the problem of ‘over-engineering’ when it comes to the application and usefulness of available software.
Standing Firm in Your Choices
Equally important is the confidence to defend your methodologies, especially when faced with peer pressure or scepticism in the workplace.
The critique often centres on not adhering to the "correct" way of doing things, leading to paralysis or the delegation of tasks to perceived "professionals’. However, the core requirement is understanding your needs, selecting the appropriate tools to meet those needs, and then executing your tasks with excellence.
The Value of an MBA: Beyond Academics
When asked about the value of an MBA, I often emphasise not the academic credentials it provides, but rather the confidence it instills in making informed decisions. An MBA, when combined with solid practical experience, equips you with the discernment needed to choose among various systems, selecting the one best suited to your farming project, resources, and the prevailing business environment..
While certain tasks necessitate a specific approach, there exists a realm of flexibility where efficiency and personalised solutions can thrive.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The journey of professional and personal development is not one of blind conformity but of informed decision-making and adaptability. It demands not just the accumulation of tools and methodologies but the wisdom to apply them judiciously.
As I reflect on my experiences and the lessons learned, my advice is clear: research, apply expertise wisely, remain adaptable to changing needs and continuous learning, but most importantly, begin the journey, don’t be afraid to ask for help and see it through to completion. In the end, the capacity to navigate one's path with confidence and flexibility not only defines success but also enriches the journey itself.
5 Ha heated strawberry and 5 Ha bell pepper glasshouses with 2MW CHP completed and producing amazing fresh produce.
