Jobs are going fine but would like to see the subs just feel a bit more dedicated to getting them done. So how can I do that?
I buy coffee and donuts most days, pay invoices when they submit them, etc. Its just they don’t have the initiative like I would have. I mean, times are tough and you would think guys would be happy to have work but some still show up late and leave early. Drives me nuts! I say things about it but there is always an excuse.
I would love to have all my own employees but not possible due to licensing requirements and just the stability of work.
So what do you do to keep your non-employee guys motivated and dedicated to the job?
Replies
After I rough in I don't just turn the plumber loose in the space and say call me when your done. I explain the goal (not unachievable either) and the reminder than the electrician is coming tomorrow. "I know how you don't like (and neither do I) anyone working around you-getting in the way"..........
To the electrician-same idea, the board is being delivered first thing thursday, hangers come Fri morning. Again, not crammed-not pushed-a MAJOR emergency is what it would take to screw this schedule. But it's both realistic and achievable for all concerns. The job never sits idle-always something going on. Homeowners hate it when no one's there-love it when something/anything happens daily.
And of course, weeding out those that can't handle this no pressure - pressure.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
All good ideas guys, thanks.
I will admit I am too nice as even all of the guys say they enjoy working for me and I am the best builder to work for...(yeah because some of them abuse it!)
Maybe I need to buckle down and become more of a hard #### in 09? Things work out well and everyone is happy in the end. I would just like more efficiency and eagerness on their part to get more done and then get to the next job...
I'll outline what I see to be my boss's approach. 1. Expectations are clearly outlined.2. Subs are notified immediately - immediately - of any kind of deficiency, including "why didn't you finish X today"3. If subs don't shape up, my boss casually mentions "I was really happy with the performance of (competing sub) on this other job."4. If everything still isn't wine and roses, there's a little chat and different sub gets to do the next job or two. Example, a painting crew who has painted houses for this company for 20 years is currently not in my boss's good graces. He's had them paint a smaller renovation project to see how they're doing, but my impression is that they won't be called for any of the houses we're building.
Its just they don't have the initiative like I would have.
I have been trying to get a quote from a commrcial storefront shop to installa set of pivoting storefront doors. Hehas been to the site, and I have talked with him three times. He is always going to send the quote "right away" but still nothing. Makes me wonder if he wants the job, and if I give him a PO how much he will drag it out.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Are you being too nice to these guys? ( only 1/2 joking )
There are some who see a nice guy as someone not to be taken seriously.
Are they guilty of this? If so they might just need a more serious demeanor from you to get them to tighten up a bit.
Managing groups of people was always a challenge for me. It ain't easy...buic
Mike
I dont know where you are but how is the economy there?
I have changed a few contractors in the last year because I had the same problem.
Everyone else noticed and became much more appreciative.
I dont buy hardly anyone coffee or donuts almost ever and I pay them within 30 days.
Have your contracts clear that you have 30 days to pay them and then wait till the 29th day. They will come looking for a check before that if you normally pay them real quick.
When they ask for the check, say you will pay them when it is due and thanks for being late and making you look stupid with the client!
Once they realize the gravy train is over, the good ones will step in line and the others need to be replaced. (Maybe for just a job or two is all is necessary to wake them up)
Thats my 2 cents worth. Oh and I constantly mention to people that I am working hard to find more work for them and I.
Here is an idea to motivate them to work longer.
Offer to do their accounting, restock their truck and return calls to other customers... Then you could negotiate insurance rates, change their oil and pick up the kids from the bus.... afterall they are running a business too.
"I mean, times are tough and you would think guys would be happy to have work but some still show up late and leave early."
Uh ... explain to me how you'd like that to work. They're subs ... there is no "late" or "early". There's get it done for the money agreed upon close to the time frame agreed upon.
I sub and I hire subs.
neither process includes me being involved with anyone elses start or stop time.
you want people to show up "on time" and leave "on time" ... hire more employees.
the main reason I do my own and sub work ... 'cause I'm in charge of my schedule.
and trust me, I usually know better than the guy standing there with a stop watch.
always cracks me up to hear these comments ... like a sub doesn't want to get the hell off that job faster and move on to the next start check. What's the logic ...
the more time I "waste" on your job the more fun I'm having?
as a sub I certainly wish I could bid a job for a weeks labor, sign it for a weeks labor ... then knock it out in 2 days and get paid in full and move on the the next one.
When I hire subs ... I ask for a time frame up front ... I have the job 100% ready for them to come in when they say they can make it ... and I stay outta the way aside from doing what ever I can to make their job easier.
I don't nit pick proposals and I pay quick. Maybe I'm lucky, I got great subs.
all are on the top end of the pay scale ... but all are well worth it.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Jeff,
What I mean is when they say they will be done by the end of the week and are not BECAUSE they show up "late and leave early" each day. That then holds up the other subs who are waiting on that phase to be completed and the job gets set back a week or so.
Not all my subs are on set prices, some are on T & M.
Mike
I don't know if it would apply, but you could always try incentives and penalties for completion dates. (On fixed bids, of course.)
It can lead to quality control issues, but if simply closing out a phase quickly is the issue, you can put in writing: "every day before x that inspection is passed, sub will receive 100 dollars. For every day after x that inspection is not passed, 100 dollars will be subtracted from final payment amount."
money talks.
k
What Jeff said.
NOw I elaborate. If I need to motivate a sub to work I need a new sub. Every one works together & it makes life better. It's one of my selling points that every one knows every one & work together well.
You have subs on T&M? what do they do
I use all subs, no employees and only pick up tools when I have to. even my "helpers" are subs, complete with their own insurance & they subnit a bill to me for their services. Some do get an hourly rate but they still MUST submit a bill based on that rate. I have x amount of money built into a bid for this "labor" based on a higher rate than they actually charge. Usually i make money on them sometimes i break even. the primary reason i have them is for the convienence of the more skilled trades and it keep things moving smoother (not smoothly, that would be like a perpetual motion machine) and the site stays cleaner.
"this dog may be old but he ain't cold. And he still knows how to bury a bone."
Lattimore
http://www.rehmodeling.com
every job is different, some guys will work better for you if your nice to them, some will just take advantage..
Bottom line is you must control the room......
This is what leadership is all about . . . and something you must have/be to really succeed when dealing with American workers....
I do alot of work as a sub. When you work for someone like you then you give 150%. I am use to being on a job site 30 minutes before start time to get tools and materials lined up and ready to go. So that I can hit the ground running.
Not so with the person am with for 3 houses he building. He has 3 employees, 2 are his son's and one is a good friend of his. They are usually 20 to 30 minutes late every day, no communication at all, and will not listen to anything anybody says.
Clean up is done only when they get tiered of walking around it, or the neighbors complain.
We are on the third house of the contract I signed with him and he is already trying to get me on for the next one. After 6 months of frustration for me as a sub with 15 yrs. of experience compared to their combined 6 yrs. I am going to find work with a different contractor.
That is a view from a subs stand point. You treat me with respect and I will move mountains for you!
GaryS.