The Right People - Jim Collins

Contracting is not a generally business where the strategies are complex or all that different. What differentiates contractors is their ability to execute the basic strategies consistently.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

Effective execution comes down to people, process and tools - in that order.

Quote: Leaders of companies that go from good to great not with where but with who. Jim Collins.

Jim Collins explores the traits of long-term sustainably growing businesses in his book “Good to Great” where he describes how leaders of the best companies view people and how they simplify their strategies.

  • Put together a high-level scoreboard of the basics you need for a sustainable contracting business.  This dashboard should include basic metrics around customer satisfaction, profitability, cash flow, growth, safety and succession bench strength for all key roles.  
  • Develop a company operating rhythm of key meetings and feedback reporting that address address each area of the scoreboard.  These will include opportunity review meetings, interview slots, project reviews, company financial reviews, evaluations, etc.  
  • Lead a culture where egos are focused on using whatever skills anyone on the team has to improve the scoreboard.  Eliminate ego about position and keep internal competition positive. 
  • Focus on continuous improvement to processes and specific role responsibilities adjusting regularly for the optimum outcomes.  

Schedule a call to learn how we help contractors grow profitably.  




Issue 9 of 9: Low Barriers to Entry
Construction Ownership Transition Issue 9 of 9: There are Few Barriers to Entry for New Contractors. About 500 construction contractors start up each day. In most cases, a new contractor starting up will cause a serious talent drain and add competition.
Preconstruction - Adding Value from the Perspective of the Architect
Getting involved early in the project as it is being developed is one of the best things a contractor can do for profitable growth. Effective precon services will achieve the design the architect wants within the budget the project owner needs.
Incentive Compensation for Contractors - Behaviors
This is the fun part where you see actual behavioral change across your team and with your customers. The benefits accumulate slowly but build exponentially as objectives are achieved.