Doing What is Necessary

We get to be part of the organizational reviews for contractors across the country.

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Obviously, the goal is to keep people in positions they are best and happiest at. But that isn't always an option and the people who are admired the most are those that have versatility, positive attitudes, good learning abilities, are team players, and put the love of winning with their team ahead of what makes them comfortable or happy in the moment.  

We've seen lots of talented people who are focused on only what they love or are comfortable doing, even if the team needs something else. That never ends well.

On the other hand, I've never seen anyone who consistently did whatever it took for the team to win, including developing new capabilities, who wasn't wealthy in all aspects of their life

Graph: Balancing Our Highest and Best Use on the Team, Things We Love Doing, and Things We Are Best on the Team At. Quote: It is no use saying we are doing our best. you have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. Winston Churchill



Degree of Discretionary Time with Growth in Role Levels and Business Size
The degree of discretionary time that someone has in doing their job grows with their role level - for example from crafts person to VP of Operations. For similar roles, that time decreases with company growth as the job roles become more tightly defined.
Leadership and Management of Details
Building a great contracting business requires the right balance of leadership and management. While it is possible to separate them the truth is that many of the top leaders are relentlessly disciplined managers.
Fixing a Messy Teenage Bedroom
Most parents will teach their kids how to keep a clean bedroom through a combination of leading by example, training and daily management until the kids form their own good habits. Lean tools like 5S are the organizational equivalent.