We have learnt from Blog 27 to ensure that our expertise must work in the land situation. Do we know how to execute good working and relationship skills with the operators that work for us?
Good communication is so important!
Good explanatory communication and skill demonstration is a very important part of the ultimate product and finish to the landscapes.
Demonstrate, “How To” gardener training
It disturbs me that team leaders / supervisors, who oversee labour teams in their work areas of responsibility are not correctly supervised by management. At the same time the demonstration of how to do the job should be a prerequisite i.e. actually physically doing the job in front of the gardener / operator so that staff understand exactly how to execute those work expectations.
This responsibility is very seldom the case and is concerning as we are the leaders in client expectancy and in delivering a professional approach. The job rollout should happen and be executed in the way in which our client would see our business efficiency as professionals in the industry.
Understand the scope of work
So, what do we demonstrate in the work situation. Do you have the full understanding of what has to be achieved on the job.
- Supervisors / team leaders availability for onsite training (do YOU know the job to be performed) i.e. the actual task to be performed in demonstration format i.e. the how to.
- Performance rating the gardener on an ongoing basis helps to ensure a motivated work ethic and a good learning input response.
- Setting out the guidelines daily for the work activities for a gardener plus the square meterages to be achieved, 1 gardener – usually 250 sqm work coverage per gardener per day, working singularly rather than in groups.
- Checking on the commitment of the staff member to do the job correctly and ensuring that there is due diligence in executing the work activities as required.
- Distribution of soil nutrition together with fertilizer composition needs to be demonstrated correctly for the areas of coverage regarding grass and garden beds development, nutrition and fertilization.
Monitor progress
All other activities – deadheading, pruning back, pruning up, feeding, composting and all other general maintenance activities need to be correctly demonstrated as the work is progressing and to be monitored carefully.
Should you require additional information or training availability, please contact Jo-Anne Hilliar at Landscape Design Consultants International.
Call: 082 570 5858
For further input in skills training and auditing of landscapes.
Landscape Design Consultants International is owned and managed by Jo-Anne Hilliar, a professionally trained Landscape Designer who qualified with a Garden and Landscape Design Diploma through the University of Natal in 1990. In 2005 the company shifted its operational focus to offer landscape design consulting expertise in managing, overseeing and auditing expansive commercial, industrial and environmental sites in South Africa and internationally. Jo-Anne established the Landscape Design School in 2001. Read more…