Masonry Magazine October 2011 Page. 43
ADVERTORIAL
Keeping Employees Happy
CONTRACTOR TIP OF THE MONTH
Hiring employees for your business isn't hard, but keeping them happy is a never-ending job. It's no secret that business is still tough, margins are tight, and unemployment is up. You would think people would be happy just to have a job, and maybe some are. But, as a leader, you can't let your guard down for one minute. It's not enough to give someone an opportunity to report to work every day. There's always someone out there who says they offer more money on the hour, or better benefits, than you do. What are you doing to keep your best employees from taking that job? As a leader, you have to cultivate your crop of employees and give them an opportunity to grow in what they do every day.
If we fix the people problems, we fix everything. Materials don't just get up and walk off your jobsite themselves, while keeping you from finishing the job, due to shortages. However, you can run short on materials if the estimator doesn't figure the right quantity of materials. Equipment doesn't get emotional about how long it has to work, nor does it complain about working the weekend. Since equipment doesn't drink alcohol, it doesn't come to work with a hangover. However the employee required to operate that equipment may drink one too many the night before work, and not show up at all the next day. So, if it's true that all problems are people problems, let's assure we are focusing on keeping our best people happy.
If you have been following my articles for any period, you know how I feel about having the right people in the right places. Part of the equation I think people miss is that you have to do something to keep those people excited about coming to work for you, even in the not-so-fun times of the past few years. Think about it this way: What General in the military wants to lead troops into battle when the troops don't have the same passion and goal that he has? You want to know your troops have your back in the heat of the battle. Business is no different. Struggles and trials are when you really need your people to shine. So, how do you make sure they are "all in?" People can have all the talent and ability in the world; but, if they don't believe in the sincerity of their leader, they are not going to give you their best work, nor will you see what they truly can accomplish.
Do you let each of your employees know you really care, or are you just pretending you care? If you are faking your sincerity, they will feel and sense it. That is the same as telling them they are playing quarterback, while leaving them set on the bench the whole game. Unless you are planning to do the project an employee is working on yourself, whether you are dealing with a top manager, foreman or field employee, that person needs to know one thing: The outcome of the project is about that person, not you. This lets him know and feel he is part of the team. When you go to a jobsite to talk to a soldier on the battlefield, you should have one goal in mind: Let him know the outcome of this job is about him, not you. This is the satisfaction he needs to continue his career with you.
If I can encourage you to do one thing, it would be to assure that, when you or your managers talk to your employees, you leave them feeling like they matter to you, and you recognize their contribution to the success of the company. It is not enough for us, as leaders, to hire managers and turn them loose. We have to assure that manager comes across as sincere, earning the respect and credibility of the troops, before we let that manager lead our troops into the daily battle we call business.
Damian Lang is CEO of Lang masonry Contractors in southeast Ohio and inventor of many labor-saving masonry systems and products. He is also the author of the book "Rewarding and Challenging Employees for Profits in Masonry." To order a copy of his book, or to network with Damian, contact him at dlang@langmasonry.com or 740-749-3512.
Provided by Damian Lang, President of Lang Masonry Castractors, Inc., and EZ Grout Corp.
COACH GARY SAYS:
Resilience is key. Going forward Now, let's fast-forward to today, and apply these lessons from our history. We are a people who have always overcome. So, as you consider the plight of your own business or our industry, even the life of your community, put it into perspective. As bad as things are, they are not too bad. They are not so bad that you'd gladly change places with that of someone on the 98th floor of the WTC North Tower, wondering whether to face the flames, jump or just hope for the mercy of a collapsing building. No. You have other choices.
The fact is that our choices are vastly different. We're just getting started. It's dark, but it is nearing dawn. From here, I can see Little Orphan Annie about to go onstage and begin singing, because we are just about there. "Tomorrow" could get here in just a couple of months, rather than a few more years.
As for us, it's time to gather our own hoses and equipment, resolve to carry it all up the stairs of our companies where it'll do the most good, rescue the most people and families, and save our businesses and our country. After all, we are contractors: exceptional and rugged individuals. Most of all, we are Americans, and we remember our heritage. Let's roll! IMAS
Gary Micheloni is a working project manager, speaker, author, consultant and coach. Write him at FullContactTeam@gmail.com.
Copyright 2011 Gary Micheloni
COACH GARY'S CORNER:
Need a little wisdom and encouragement for 2011? Be sure and protect the economic freedom of your family and business. Coaching will help you get there in less time, and with more success. Want to try and get Coach Gary to speak for your group, or coach your company? Go to www.FullContactTeam.com, and click on the links for the resources (below the arrows). The report is free; not knowing the info is expensive! And, get free scheduling help from www.MicrosoftProjectClasses.com, so that you can enter public works contracting. Go there now.