“The Harvest Is Rich, But the Workers Are Few”

Last evening, while driving back home, I must confess—I overheard a phone conversation. It was my friend, a serious farmer, speaking to some of his workers. Fast forward through the call, and one thing was clear: he was frustrated.

His issue? He had paid the vet in advance to inseminate his animals. The workers were well compensated, and all they had to do—literally—was make a phone call to get the vet to the farm. But they hadn’t.

This wasn’t the first time he had raised this issue. He had previously shared how hard it is to get committed workers to show up, let alone follow through. Now, even after fulfilling his end of the bargain—paying them well, providing support, ensuring the animals were ready—they still failed to do the bare minimum.

And it got me thinking…

Have you ever been in this situation? Where you’ve done everything right, and still, the people you rely on fall short?
What would you do? Fire them? Yell? Give up?

As for me, here are my thoughts:

1. Systems Before People – Don’t leave critical tasks to chance. Create systems. Automate reminders, document responsibilities, and track follow-through. Accountability grows when expectations are visible and measurable.
2. Clear Consequences – Generosity should not replace structure. When expectations aren’t met repeatedly, there need to be consequences—maybe not anger, but certainly clarity. People must understand the cost of negligence.
3. Train or Transition – Some workers genuinely lack training. If that’s the issue, invest in them. But if the problem is attitude or values, it might be time to part ways. Competence can be taught—character cannot.
4. The Leadership Burden – It’s frustrating, yes. But leadership means managing not just work, but people. And sometimes the toughest job isn’t doing the work yourself—it’s ensuring others do theirs, and still finding grace while holding them accountable.

The harvest is truly rich. The opportunities, the resources, the potential—it’s all there. But the workers? They’re few. And sometimes, even when you find them, they’re not ready.

---

So, what’s the way forward?

This is exactly where RentMyMBA steps in. We help business owners like you who are tired of repeated setbacks caused by poor systems, weak accountability, or underperforming staff.

Whether you run a pharmacy, a retail store, or a small enterprise—we offer practical training, hands-on operational strategies, and leadership tools to transform your team and streamline your business.

Don’t just work hard. Work smart.
Let us help you turn frustration into focus, and potential into productivity.

Get in touch with RentMyMBA today.
Because your harvest is too rich to be lost to inaction.

About the author

Dr. Jjuuko Derrick, is a pharmacist with a keen business acumen. Having dedicated much of his career to engaging with business owners and employees, he brings a unique blend of pharmaceutical expertise and business insight to the table. As an entrepreneur himself, he is passionately committed to leveraging his technical skills and entrepreneurial experience to foster the growth and development of multiple businesses. Driven by a mission to make a meaningful contribution to the business landscape, he stands ready to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.