You know how to hire subcontractors and are comfortable telling them what to do. But how are your skills as a boss?
It’s a tricky question to answer. In my experience, I’ve found that contractors are often so busy trying to keep up with all the moving parts of a project that they don’t have time to think about their skills as a boss.
Unfortunately, making mistakes can lower your crew’s performance and productivity, resulting in longer lead times and higher costs.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the common mistakes contractors make so you can answer the question – how do you measure up as a boss?
Common Mistakes That Can Impact Your Crew’s Performance
Here are some things you might be doing to inadvertently diminish your crew’s motivation and efficiency.
Leaving for lunch
You might think of lunchtime as your chance to get some time alone for a minute, but that could be sending the wrong message. Sticking around to have lunch with the crew can help build team spirit. In addition, it gives you a chance to get to know them on a personal level, which can improve overall morale and productivity.
Not having food and water available
We all know that contractors work hard day in and day out. So, make sure to keep them hydrated throughout the day. The simple step of providing a water jug can ensure that every crew member gets water throughout the day, especially when it’s hot outside. In addition, keep some snacks around. Granola bars and candy can be good snacks to have on hand for sugar levels.
Not showing up at each job site
Your presence says a lot about the importance of the work you’ve entrusted your crew to do. Simply showing up on the job site can build morale and keep everyone invested in getting the job done as scheduled.
Skipping morning and afternoon checklists
Without some organization, it’s challenging to know whether you’ve achieved all your goals for the day. Create an AM and PM checklist, then go through it every day. This ensures that nothing important gets missed or overlooked.
Expecting everyone to work the same as you
Your 25-year-old crew member isn’t going to do work the exact same way as you do. That’s OK! Don’t waste your time worrying about how work is getting done, as long as it’s getting done. It might be worthwhile to learn what they’re doing differently to see if their process is more efficient.
Do You Need to Level Up as a Boss? Let’s Talk
If you’re guilty of committing any of these mistakes, you’re not alone. Fortunately, it’s not too late to turn things around!
An experienced office manager can help you stay organized, get more time in your day, and build a bond with your team to improve their performance. Click the “Contact Us” button at the bottom of any page to learn more about how I can help you get organized and become a better boss for your team.
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