b'THE HR HANDBOOKInfluence That Works: How to Win Trust in the FieldIN THE SEEDproduction supply chain, cross-organ- tion, rejected lots, lost premiums. When people under-izational relationships are the norm. In these relation- stand the why, theyre more likely to follow the how.ships, each person you work with may have different priorities, pressures, and motivators, which makesMake Recommendations With Real Evidencenavigating these interactions more complex than thoseAttempting influence without trust is a dead end. Back within the same organization. When you are seen asyour recommendations with data that matters to your a trusted advisorsomeone who combines technicalpartner: past field results, purity reports or stories of expertise with impactful communicationyou gain thewhat others have done.ability to influence others to take the right actions atBut dont sugarcoat. If a protocol is tough or costly, the right time. Thats leadership in its most practicalacknowledge it. Then connect it to long-term benefits: BY JONATHAN SHAVER,form. Influence isnt about pressure or charm. Its abouthigher acceptance rates, stronger grower reputation, Seed Worldcredibility, clarity, and human connection. Lets useand better contracts next year. Honesty strengthens Contributor seed grower relationships as an example to being seenyour authority.as a trusted advisor:Connect Your Message to Pride and PurposeInfluence Starts With Listening Seed production isnt just businessits legacy. Before you dive into isolation distances or rogueingGrowers take pride in producing the best seed. Tap schedules, pause and listen. Whats on the growersinto that pride.mind? Maybe theyre worried about labor shortagesInstead of saying, This step ensures genetic purity, or the cost of extra passes through the field. Seasonaltry:crews might be focused on speed, not precision. Your attention to detail here means the seed car-Ask questions like: rying your name will perform for thousands of farmers Whats your biggest concern about meeting puritynext season.standards this season? When your message connects to identity and How do you see this crop fitting into your overallvalues, it resonates beyond compliance.operation?When you frame your advice around their goals Influence Only Works When Action Followswhich are usually profitability, efficiency, reputa- Persuasion isnt complete until action actually hap-tionyou shift from being an inspector to a partner.pens. Summarize your recommendation and outline Empathy builds trust, and trust opens the door fornext steps:influence. Lets schedule rogueing for next Tuesday before pollen shed. Ill bring the checklist and walk the first Explain the Why Before the How rows with your crew.Seed production comes with strict requirementsiso- A clear, actionable plan turns good intentions into lations, germination standards, purity protocols. Youmeasurable progress. Remember: persuasion isnt about know why these matter to your company, but doespressureits about guiding people toward choices that your partner? If your requests sound like arbitraryprotect what is important to you and to them. demands, theyll feel like burdens instead of priorities.We often bring our technical expertise to the Transparency changes that dynamic.relationshipbut success in the relationship depends Explain how each step protects genetic integrity,on communication. By listening deeply, sharing your ensures contract compliance, and safeguards premi- agenda, building credibility, and connecting emotion-ums. When growers understand the purpose, theyreally, you transform conversations into actions. In the far more likely to commit. Remember: clarity buildsend, your words dont just informthey safeguard the trust, and trust drives action. Use visuals and stories tointegrity of every seed lot.SWshare what happens when protocols slip: contamina-40/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2025'