b'PROTECTING INNOVATIONWill They Follow?MANY ARTICLES HAVEbeen written aboutsales reps must be heard by their leadership to pass leadership. unmet needs to agronomic services groups and even-I cant propose to be an expert on the topic oftually on to plant breeders, researchers, geneticists, leadership, but I can share my observations particularlyand other scientific supermen(women). Seed compa-when it comes to leadership in the seed sector. Fromnies commit 15-30% of revenues and seven to 16 years my perspective, it comes down to three focus areas:into new seed innovations ranging from germplasm, vision, unlocking peoples talents/synergies and deci- stress mitigators, traits, seed and soil protectants and sion making. professionally produced seed.ELOY CORONA With a hungry planet of some 7.6 billion mouths toTeamwork is critical to be successful in the seed is the executivefeed todayand a 2050 projection of 10 billionindustry. In our transition from Boomers to Millennials/director of the Seedcurrent leaders in the seed industry must convey aGen Z learning how to weave everyones strength to Innovation andvision of what needs to be accomplished to an ever- provide team synergies is the ultimate goal of leaders. Protection Allianceempowered workforce. We face many challenges fromLeaders need to foster an open, approachable, trans-(SIPA). financial, economic, employment and climatic that aparent, curious culture that celebrates successes but leader cannot solve alone in addition to addressingalso quickly corrects any off the scent behaviors for plight of the current 800 million malnourished and 2the benefit of the team.billion who go to bed hungry.Seed innovations require long term commitments that meet company objectives, constraints, and poli- Ability determines what you can do, ciesyes policies are embedded in most companies. Knowing what each companys strengths are is criticalmotivation determines what you do, but for a leader to provide a vision, objectives and tactics. The most critical and basic asset a company has is itsATTITUDE determines how well you do it!peoplethe innovation driver.Lou HoltzIn todays pandemic crazy work from home shifts and wanting to make a difference culture, leaders need to onboard new employees with the right blend ofWithin any organization, there are both formal and mission, culture and of course renumeration packages.informal leadership structures that help keep the wheels It is also important for leaders to retain productiveturning. When things get tough, the informal network is talent. Finding talent that understands value creationusually called on to help overcome barriers due experi-increases chances of providing a good match. Thisence, talent or even playing devils advocate. This all shows up as passion thats infectious by the leaderboils down to trust. Hard to earn but easy to lose, trust and employees. Soft skills are also critical to teamworkis the foundation of a well-oiled team and company.which is where the real unlocking of value happens!Leadership is all about developing and nurturing People need inspiration to produce at peak levels alongtrust whether with employees, customers, manage-with experience building/training to become even morement, or the public in general and taking all the great productive, vital to a company and self-fulfilling. Lookideas and work that teams put forth followed by around at successful seed companies and notice themaking tough decisions. Always give credit to others camaraderie, the customer focus, the drive to alwaysand humbly take responsibility for mistakes.do better that sets them apart. This shows up as aSuccessful leaders should always ask themselves strong brand awareness or what I like to call cus- these questions:tomer experience.1.Do they believe in you?Leadership also involves networking and bringing2.Do they trust you?groups together to solve unmet customer needs. Field3.Will they follow you?SW10/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2022'