Masonry Magazine September 2007 Page. 51
Once you realize that you can play in a bigger pond, it gives your estimators more places to fish!
niques. You're going to find that even the biggest companies will respect you-even though they might not like you-and that you'll greatly improve your skills very quickly. In fact, you'll improve your skills faster by dealing with a "Top 100" builder or contractor than you ever will dealing with, say, very small general contractors.
Of course, this supposes that you actually are able to get some work with larger contractors! But look at it this way: Once you realize that you can play in a bigger pond, it gives your estimators more places to fish! But if your company has the skill and the people to do those types of jobs, don't be intimidated by the size of the companies managing them.
You'll find that you can and you will-be able to compete.
Coach Gary says: Play physically. Never give up. Give it all you've got. Improve your "diet." Practice harder. Change leagues. And become a champion.
Gary Micheloni is a working project manager, consultant, speaker and author of the new book, "Get Paid for a Change!" For further information and insight on the Full Contact Project Management approach, simply send an e-mail to: coachgary@fullcontactPM.com.
Copyright © 2007, Gary Micheloni and Full Contact Project Management
COACH GARY'S CORNER:
Ready to change leagues? Need to improve your diet and your training? Need some coaching? Ge to the new website at www.fullcontact@log.com and participate there with Coach. Subscribe and get free audio updates and other information that will help your projects. Click on the archives link and use the helps available to you there. Also, you can get Coach Gary's book "Get Paid for a Change!"
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Keep your Eye on the Goal
MASONRY NEWS CONTRACTOR TIP
Being a leader is not for the faint of heart. It requires tremendous determination to hit the goals you have set. I'd love to sit back and say that everyone will be cheering you on, but I can't; the truth is that there are many who would love to see you fail.
There are some people in your organization that will say negative things about your leadership style and your direction. Some will do things that won't be helpful to anyone. At times, they will even sabotage your organization just because they can. They may do these things unintentionally or subconsciously, but it still happens. Many smaller contractors don't recognize this until they become larger and start making money. Even the government guns for you once you start winning! Makes you wonder why anyone wants to assume a leadership position, doesn't it?
The real hard fact of leadership is this: If you are not pissing someone off, you are probably not getting anything done. I'm not talking about customers or suppliers. I'm talking about those you coach, your employees, even relatives and others in your community. The best leaders have great support from people around them; however, if you think you are going to please everyone, you are fooling yourself. In any organization, there will always be those who do not fit in or share your vision. The sooner these people are let go, the better off you and the rest of your team will be.
So where does a leader start? Start with a single goal based on sound judgment and good morals. Once the goal is set, let nothing stop you from reaching that goal. This goal is like a bull's eye in the distance that must be persistently pursued while staying on course. You may be thrown off course sometimes, but get back as soon as possible and continue the journey. Have you ever watched the Budweiser Clydesdales march through town with blinders over the sides of their eyes? They are constantly focused on the direction of their destination without being distracted by outside forces.
My little girls just started to play team basketball. Often, it's chaos on the court and it looks like the coach doesn't have control. Of course, my instincts kick in and before long, I am yelling from the stands to my daughter, Kaylee. I want her to see the goal and know what it feels like to win. Right now, she is just as happy out there running around with the other kids and leaming the game. Kaylee even told me, "Dad, I am lis tening to the coach, not you." At eight years old, she's already got it figured out. She is following the goals her leader in this case, her coach -has set out for her, and not even letting Dad interrupt that.
Once the goal is set, the next thing the leader must do is find the right people to accomplish that goal: build the right team. Without the right people, the journey will be short lived. Then, develop systems to manage the people. The rest is easy, as long as you have the confidence to not let others throw you off course. Listen to your people's advice and once you have considered the best route, trust your judgment, and stay on course. In the end, you will be glad you did.
Next month we'll talk about a subject that might sound contrary to this month's tip, but it's just as important. Stay tuned!
Damian Lang is a mason contractor in Southeast Ohio who has four companies that do combined sales of $18 million. He is also the author of the book "Rewarding and Challenging Employees for Profits in Masonry." To order a copy of his book or to attend one of his seminars held specifically for mason contractors, call Kerri Huck of Lang Masonry at (800) 417-9272.
Provided by Damian Lang, President of Lang Masonry Contractors, Inc., and EZ Grout Corp.