Building a Strong Team to Reduce Burnout on Your Flower Farm

As a flower farmer, it’s easy to feel like you have to do everything yourself. When I started my flower farming journey, I was determined to manage every aspect of the business, from planting and harvesting to marketing and sales. But over time, I realized that trying to juggle it all was not sustainable, and burnout was inevitable. In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum Podcast, I talked about the importance of building a strong team and the impact it can have on the success and sustainability of your flower farming business.

You Can Do Anything, But You Can’t Do Everything

This is one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a flower farmer. While it may feel like you’re the only one who can manage every detail, it’s essential to recognize your limitations. I used to think hiring help would mean losing control over the quality and direction of my farm, but I quickly learned that delegating tasks is necessary for growth. Hiring the right team allows you to focus on the high-value activities that will move your business forward.

The Responsibility and Opportunity of Hiring Help

Hiring help is a big responsibility, but it’s also an incredible opportunity. Bringing people onto your farm is not just about offloading tasks—it’s about creating a cohesive team that shares your vision and works towards the same goals. However, as I discussed in the podcast, there’s a difference between managing and leading. As the business owner, you need to make the transition from simply managing tasks to leading a team with clear expectations and support.

Identifying Bottlenecks and Creating Clarity

Often, bottlenecks in business operations start with us, the owners. I’ve found that when there’s a lack of clarity in communication or expectations, it slows down progress. This is why I emphasize the importance of being crystal clear about roles and responsibilities when hiring. By taking the time to outline job descriptions, expectations, and processes, you can reduce confusion and ensure your team is aligned with the farm’s goals.

Teamwork and Delegation are Key to Success

One of the biggest takeaways from my experience is that success is not a solo effort. It’s about building a strong support system and recognizing that teamwork is essential. Even small shifts in delegation can be a game changer. When I started handing off tasks that weren’t directly contributing to the farm’s growth—like administrative work or organizing supplies—it freed up my time to focus on the things that really mattered, like nurturing relationships with customers and planning for the next season.

Adjusting Expectations and Learning Together

Hiring your first employee can be overwhelming. It’s a learning process for both of you, so it’s important to adjust your expectations as you figure out the best ways to work together. In the podcast, I discussed how important it is to have patience and flexibility as you and your team navigate this new dynamic. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly at first; the goal is to learn and improve together.

Planning Ahead for Success

Planning ahead is crucial in reducing stress and expenses on the farm. Whether it’s planning your harvest schedule or organizing daily tasks, having a strategy in place can make a world of difference. When you bring on help, it’s important to involve them in the planning process. This creates a sense of ownership and responsibility, and it helps everyone stay on the same page.

In the end, hiring help allows you to focus on the higher-value activities that only you can do, like growing your vision for the farm. Building a team is one of the best ways to reduce burnout and create a sustainable flower farming business. Remember, you can do anything, but you can’t do everything—and that’s okay!