16 / SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2018 done next time if something isn’t work- ing,” he says. “There is so much trust in our project team. We look critically at our- selves and our work to find a better way every time we approach a project.” Engaging and maintaining that engagement is another contributing factor to the leadership success Liu has seen, as well as continually working toward value-added dialogue that helps to create idea sharing and innovation within the different facets of his team. “I challenge my project team: We need to look within ourselves, and what we are doing. There is always decision making — without decisions, you will still be at the same point you were a month ago,” he says. “Decisions always require scientific and data-driven discussions to make edu- cated choices collectively. “I like pushback, and I look for it in our conversations so that I can hear different opinions.” Finding Empowerment “Today’s culture at Syngenta is one of empowerment, to do the right thing and find success,” says Liu. He says that through continued empow- erment, Syngenta’s employees think dif- ferently and more broadly. Ultimately, that thinking helps to create future leaders. “One of the benefits of the Syngenta culture is building credibility for what we are doing together, as one company-wide team. Goals are always broader, thinking of the entire industry, and not just the cur- rent project,” says Liu. “It allows our teams to deliver, and delivering results helps to create more empowerment within the com- pany’s culture.” Developing his leadership skills, Liu says that Syngenta enabled him to be brave in his approach, taking chances that have served him well as an engineer and that, combined with his love for helping people, has been key to his success in helping deliver Syngenta solutions into the hands of farmers. “The authentic sincerity in what we do and how we do it: developing technology for farmers, is exciting and helps not just me, but all of our Syngenta colleagues deliver the best solutions we can in every project. We advance plant innovations to growers around the world, bringing plant potential to life.” SW “No decision means that you will still be at the same point you were a month ago. Decisions always require scientific and data driven discussions to make decisions collectively.” — Qingli Liu