Masonry Magazine January 2012 Page. 55
ADVERTORIAL
When the Going Gets
Tough, the Tough Get
Going
CONTRACTOR TIP OF THE MONTH
In 27 years in the masonry business, we have only had to work three Sundays, and two of them have occurred in the last month. After not having to physically lay brick for years, our project managers were toughing it out while laying brick right next to the field employees on these Sundays. And guess what? I was laying brick right next to my project managers. If there is one thing the slower economy has done for those who still have a job at our companies, it has put us all to work, not only many extra hours a day and weekends but also, "physically." When you are under the gun, it doesn't matter if it is Sunday or if it is a holiday. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Thanksgiving Day, I awoke to the constant ringing of the phone. I thought to myself, "Who would be calling me on Thanksgiving morning?" It turns out, we had an emergency. Howard Offenberger, who helps me with property management, called to tell me he'd just gotten a call from the people who are renting a major facility of ours to inform him that the facility was on fire. When we got to the scene, there were fire trucks everywhere with 50 or more fire fighters trying to get the massive fire under control.
Standing there, seeing something you put your heart and soul into engulfed in flames, is devastating to say the least. In the midst of the rubble, I was talking to the fire chief and the people who were renting the facility about what to do next. Then, I turned around and saw Doug (my CFO) and Howard both on the phone making calls for advice and directing others on what to do next. Having these guys by my side at that moment was a tremendous feeling as I knew I wasn't alone.
The decision of these managers to help deal with a disaster on Thanksgiving Day must have been an easy one for them, as I suppose they felt it was just part of their responsibilities to be there. To me, it meant a lot more. They were toughing it out, right alongside me.
During these trying economic times, one thing has really stood out at our companies: To ensure we survive, the toughest of our managers have stood up to the challenge like never before. When I arrive at the office at 6 a.m., project managers are already there, planning and scheduling their crews to insure no stones are unturned as they know how tight margins are.
After 6 p.m., these and other managers often are still there, working to cover for the lack of staff we have due to the economic conditions we are in. Some work weekends without being asked to do so, in order to stay on top of an increased workload. These are all tough guys and gals who dig in their heels and do whatever it takes to come out on top.
If you have owned or managed a business the last few years, you know how hard it is to wake up in the morning with a good attitude about conditions that are mostly out of your control. In fact, I'll bet there have been a lot of issues that have come your way that you never had to deal with in the past. Each issue builds on the stress owners and managers already have on them.
Look around to see who is stepping up to the plate with you, and remember what they are doing to insure survival. Make sure they know you appreciate what they do to help you. These people are true backbone of your company.
Damian Lang is a mason contractor 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." Το order a copy of his book, or to network with Damian on these tips or tips you have and would like published, contact him at diang@langmasonry.com or 740-749-3512.
Provided by Damian Lang, President of Lang Massory Contractors, Inc., and EZ Grout Corp.
READER SERVICE #314
January 2012
MASONRY 53
MICHAEL SAYS:
Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.
Michael Jordan
version of its own Bullet Train, because every state has some kind of cockamamie thing like this going on. Bet you can name one right now, can't you? Unfortunately for our country and our industry, we all can name more than one. I'm treading closely to things political, and I don't mean to do that. But, love it or hate it, our industry often is tied to politics, and what those rascals are doing with our money.
Are you really planning on "flying" through 2012 all on your own? Doesn't it make more sense to travel in a formation, be a part of a group that might give you a 71% longer range? Statistically, flying solo increases your chances of failure. I love what Coach Dean Smith said to Michael Jordan in his freshman year at UNC: "Michael, if you can't pass, you can't play."
Face it: In 2012, just as it's always been, teamwork still is critical. You need to be a team player, if you want to continue playing competitively in your industry. You can't score all by yourself against all of your competition. Besides, your teammates give you additional "lift," and who doesn't need that these days? Synergy. Pass the ball, Michael! IMAS
Gary Micheloni is a working project manager, speaker, author, consultant and coach. Write him at FullContactTeam@gmail.com
Copyright 2012 Gary Micheloni
COACH GARY'S CORNER:
What about 2012? Public works or public relations on your mind for next year? Coaching will help you get there in less time, and with more success. Want Coach Gary to speak for your group, or coach your company? You can at least ask! 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.
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