These are problems that common approaches can’t solve. The quick, easy, free, and
fun approach won’t work on the farm because there we’re subject to natural laws or
governing principles. Natural laws, based upon principles, operate regardless of our
awareness of them or our obedience to them.
The only thing that endures over time is the law of the farm: I must prepare the
ground, put in the seed, cultivate it, weed it, water it, then gradually nurture growth
and development to full maturity. So also in a marriage or in helping a teenager
through a difficult identity crisis—there is no quick fix, where you can just move in and
make everything right with a positive mental attitude and a bunch of success
formulas. The law of the harvest governs. Natural laws, principles, operate
regardless. So get these principles at the center of your life, at the center of your
relationships, at the center of your management contracts, at the center of your
entire organization.
If I try to use manipulative strategies and tactics to get other people to do what I
want—while my character is flawed or my competency is questionable—then I can’t be
successful over time. Rhetoric and good intentions aside, if there is little or no trust,
there is no foundation for permanent success. But if we learn to manage things and
lead people, we will have the best bottom line because we will unleash the energy
and talent of people.