57: How to Give Family Workers Performance Feedback

In this episode, I sit down with Lyndsay Seafoot, Human Resources Specialist and owner of Curbridge Consulting, for a practical conversation about one of the toughest dynamics on family farms: how to give performance feedback to family members. Lindsay brings years of experience helping farm businesses create clarity around roles, job descriptions, and communication. Together, we explore why giving feedback to employees often feels easier than giving it to your own relatives, and how to change that. We discuss how clear expectations, structured check-ins, and respectful communication can help farm families move from frustration to alignment. Lindsay also shares actionable tools for creating a more professional workplace culture without losing the warmth of family. If you've ever struggled to balance accountability with compassion, or wondered how to have honest conversations that don't end in conflict, this episode will show you how feedback — when done right — can strengthen both your team and your relationships. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com Discover more about our guest: Lyndsay Seafoot Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition  BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:00:33 Introduction and guest welcome; Lyndsay's HR expertise. 0:01:35 Defining frameworks and the need for HR foundations on farms. 0:03:00 Feedback challenges in farm families and key performance feedback questions. 0:04:34 Defining performance feedback: types (real-time vs. formal). 0:05:50 Communication issues and useful vs. unhelpful language for feedback. 0:10:11 When to give performance feedback and why it is often avoided in farm families. 0:14:33 How younger generations can seek effective feedback and build common ground. 0:18:33 Technology for farm procedure clarity; importance of face-to-face feedback. 0:20:15 How farm spouses/partners can encourage feedback initiation. 0:23:47 The cost of lacking feedback: retention, engagement, and the farm's reputation. 0:29:20 Leadership's role in scheduling and prioritizing feedback meetings. 0:32:47 Addressing the "not my job" mindset and fostering the right farm culture. 0:36:57 Accountability for improvement; holding family members to professional standards. 0:40:03 Key takeaways: respect, common ground, and choosing your response.

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