How Stella Saved the Farm Chapter 1 Three Months Earlier
Something simpler:
- What advantages do human run farms have over animal run farm like Windsor?
- Why does Marcus believe the farm needs a new kind of leader?
Something more chim:
- At his last act, Marcus wanted to create change on Windsor Farm. What options other than turning the farm over to Deirdre might he have considered?
As highlighted in the story, it seems like farms managed by human are more responsive to the changes out there, e.g. it adopts new technology, when it's available. The human world seems to be a "bigger" world compared to the "animal" world (as Marcus described McGillicddy's "giant operation") - hence could harness more resources (due to its size). Comparatively, the animal-managed farm is smaller, giving the impression that it's more enclosed and operated based on limited knowledge, skills and even wisdom. Human-run farms also leverage on size, hence tapping on the advantages that small-size companies do not have.
On the other hand, McGillicuddy was described treating animals poorly, which illustrated the limited or absence of "humanity" or the welfare, well-being aspect. Was it trying to say, without taking into consideration (or with limited consideration for) the well-being is among the many that constitutes to success of big corporations?
Marcus described Windsor's approach to run business - a family-run company. "...but family first has always been our most cherished principle." It highlights one of the strengths (or success factor) in Windsor is about relationship and affection, care aspect. Perhaps at this point, we should Aso
The farm needs a new kind of leader because...
"Operational excellence" contributed to Windsor's success. However, Marcus had rightly pointed out "efficiency is no longer enough". Though it is still important - there are more to that's needed so that the organisation can keep up with time, keep up with changes, and remain competitive (to survive).
To do these, creativity, courage and the ability to take the organisation in new directions (i.e. visionary) are qualities that Marcus highlighted.
- Creative: To be able to do things differently, probably not just to "do" differently, but also to 'lead' differently - to bring about change, not necessary to 'rock' the boat (I think), but to build on to minimise the turbulence that change could create?
- Courage: To pick up the courage to make the first move, and continue to move despite it might be difficult to move on and sometimes even having to deal with self-doubt
- New Directions (Visionary): To remain relevant when time changes, and at the same time heading towards what we might not even able to imagine???
The journey would definitely be exciting, that it requires perseverance and unweaving belief & trust of the leadership, too.
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