Module Index

Module 1 - planning

Module 2 - wool

Module 3 - meat

Module 4 - people

Module 5 - NRM

Module 6 - soil

Module 7 - pasture

Module 8 - grazing

Module 9 - genetics

Module 10 - more lambs

Module 11 - sheep health

Module 12 - pastoral production

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MODULE 4: Capable and Confident Producers

Procedure 4.1

Index

Background
information

This procedure clarifies the expectations, roles and responsibilities of people in the business. The procedure can be used with both family and others who work for the business.

We can choose to either work on the business or in the business. If you prefer to be out in the paddock then you may have a strong ‘working-in-the-business’ orientation. If you prefer to be in the office looking at the business and preparing options for the future then you are more orientated to working on the business. In a successful business, both approaches are important.

Sorting out ‘who does what’ is important so that people can work effectively together.

	Develop a written agreement to include everyone involved in the business
	Ensure a balance between working on and working in the business

Key decisions, critical actions and benchmarks

Put things in writing

It is important to clarify roles, responsibilities and expectations in any business and, in family-run farming businesses, completing a written agreement is a useful way to clarify both work and family roles.

Use the processes in tool 4.1 to assist in preparing a written agreement for the business. Creating this agreement or statement should be the focus of a work related meeting as it will clarify responsibilities and provide the basis for monitoring progress and accountability for results.

Procedure 1.1 in Plan for Success will help you develop and document your business plan.

The process of developing a written agreement and the business plan itself will help you:

Ensure each member of the business knows his or her role and job responsibilities
Develop a set of clear ground rules to reduce the risk of personal conflicts when under pressure
Discuss and agree on expectations about key areas of the business
Set dates in advance for regular progress reviews
Let everyone in the business divide their time and energy to work on the business, as well as in the business.

The aim is to reduce the potential for misunderstanding or tension and create a happier, team-oriented and more productive workplace.

Procedure 4.1

Background information

Key decisions, critical actions and benchmarks

Put things in writing

Background
information