At the risk of getting cynical responses from jaded fellow contractors who have been burned by loser employees, I’d like to know:
What makes a top employee in your book?
What qualities would make someone your “Franchise Player?”
I’d hazard a guess that some of us either have one now or have had one at some time.
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Replies
A good work ethic, really likes the kind of work, has the inate ability to develop the skill, and trainable. Good with coworkers and customers.
Lately, from what I've seen........is hire a Mexican. Hard workers, show up on time, never call in sick, will work in rain, don't have the 'attitude'........
jocobe
....sorry, I'm a little cynical this evening.
Edited 4/5/2004 9:22 pm ET by jocobe
I've gone this route myself. We have a young Mexican fellow working for us. He originally brought limited skills to the job but, showed up religiously, was responsible, had a great work ethic and interest, plus unlike some with the same attributes was smart. Also, importantly has stayed with us long enough to develop skill sets to earn more pay and responsibility, and become an equal and valued member of the team.
Many young guys work hard, but aren't dependable, interested, or smart. They won't stay around long enough to realize the personal and financial rewards of respected tradesmen.
By the way, as I'm proof positive, the other attributes can over come not being too smart. I should have chosen my parents a little more carefully, neither had very good hand eye coordination which resulted in my being dropped on my head a little too much.Never serious, but always right.
Incentives ------- if you don't offer any, will never have a 'good' emp.
There's a pair of mexican boys (19 yo) working on the ranch where my project is, and they're great. OTOH the only two people who have ripped me off were Americans of Mexican descent...legal citizens. It was my fault for getting conned both times, but the bad taste is still in my mouth. Scum.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
I think the best employee I ever saw was a friends. We worked together on one job. This kid, Chris. Yes, he's young, but he had a clue. Used his head before he grabbed a hammer. Wasn't afraid to speak up, or ask questions, willing to learn. On time, good attitude. Moved with a sense of purpose. Made me feel old. When we got to trim (obviously not the forte of a 19 YO), I was sweeping up and he came over, grabbed the broom from me, and says "why don't you go do something important. This I can handle." Man, attitude really can be everything.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Hired a guy tonight. Young guy, was persistent in follow-up, good character (seems like).
He was a vocational-school trained welder and worked in that trade about 4 years. WIth the loss of mfg jobs here in the midwest, machinists especially and welders too are having a hard time of it. So I know he's got mechanical aptitude and safety training, and he's done little remodeling projects for his father/uncle.
He happens to be black, and I happen to be caucasian. In my observation, most construction crews in my neck of the woods are segregated except for the commercial union outfits. I don't know that it's particularly intentional with the guys I've known through the years, it just happens that those are the leads you get from other people and maybe who a person is comfortable around.
Anyway I used a temp service, they charge 55% of his base rate for 13 weeks and then I can bring him onto my payroll.
remodeler
I'm going with the consensous that the "south of the border" help is close to
the best.
Had a cpl a guys a ways back (they even spoke some english).
Hardest workers I ever had......
Had some spoiled rich kid work from me that was well spoken and completely american...and a decent worker.......ripped me off of thousands of dollars in tools and materials.
Thank god for insurance.
He's now in prison for stabbing someone 15 times in the chest less than a year later. Guess he was off his meds......you'd never have know he was like that if you met him.
If he ever gets out of prison which I doubt.......his name is ..beware!
BE careful
andy
My life is my passion!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
1st generation mexican, best workers out there.
Can I play if I'm nice?
OK
Pay them what they are worth. Just because there is someone out there who will work for less isn't always an excuse, you get what you pay for!
Remember they have a life too.
Think of their feelings and needs, not just your own.
Work for them as hard as you want them to work for you.
Ask them questions when you want thier input, not when you want them to agree with you.
Remember all the reasons you wanted to go into business instead of working for someone else, then make those reasons "go away" for them.
try to say 10 times as many positive things as you do negative.
Give them more than a 3% raise every year without them asking. If they don't deserve it let them go.
Work with them not against them.
Earn thier trust.
Be open to constructive criticism.
Mr T
Happiness is a cold wet nose
Life is is never to busy to stop and pet the Doggies!!
Well said. The best employee is someone (forget race and gender) that will work for you as if the company was his (or hers). If they're making you money, they should get a fair share. A good employer knows how to dole out praise, rewards, and MORE responsibility as well as criticism and punishment.
Nicely said... Not forgetting where one started goes a long way!
great post Mr T