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Leadership & People Management

Supervision Skills & People Management for Horticulture

Develop practical supervision, communication and people-management skills for high-performing horticultural farms and packhouses.

2 days Foundation to Intermediate Supervisors, team leaders, line managers, farm and packhouse managers

Course overview

Horticulture is people driven. The best procedures and equipment still depend on supervisors who can communicate standards, coach people, manage performance and keep teams focused during demanding seasons.

This course equips supervisors and emerging managers with practical tools for leading teams on farms and in packhouses while protecting quality, food safety, productivity and worker wellbeing.

What participants will be able to do

  • Set clear expectations and translate procedures into daily work
  • Communicate effectively across diverse teams and shifts
  • Coach employees and give constructive feedback
  • Manage conflict, attendance, discipline and performance fairly
  • Build accountability, motivation and a culture of continuous improvement

Course modules

The role of a modern supervisor

  • Leading versus managing
  • Daily priorities
  • Setting expectations
  • Delegation and follow-up

Communication & coaching

  • Shift briefings
  • Active listening
  • Feedback conversations
  • On-the-job coaching

Performance & people management

  • Performance standards
  • Conflict resolution
  • Motivation
  • Fair discipline and documentation