“We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.” – John Wesley
Does Your Vehicle Speak for You?
We noticed a bit of controversy concerning what kind of vehicle a construction contractor should drive. There was no one-size-fits-all solution on Facebook groups or other places we looked. Here are some quotes taken from two different online contractor forums we occasionally stroll through:
“I’d be lying if I said having a nice truck didn’t make me believe they were more likely to have the resources to get the job done, have license and insurance, etc.”
“I’ve seen and met a few really good contractors who drive down-right, god-awful trucks. But they’re excellent contractors.”
“A contractor who can’t keep his personal assets in good condition is a sign of a careless worker who won’t take pride in his/her work.”
“I drive nice enough vehicles and have nice enough equipment for the customer to know that I am not cheap, but it’s not excessive either. I like a nice clean and crisp look, but not all blinged out.”
“After 30 years in the trades, people know me and my work. I work mostly with GC’s so it doesn’t really matter what I drive. They are impressed by my professionalism, my abilities, and my knowledge. As long as my truck is not loud, leaking, or unreliable, I could care less.”
One of the things we noticed is that these differing opinions were held tightly and defended absolutely.
The point is these different opinions might lead to the same destination. Get the bid. That said, it is always wise to be conscious of how you’re perceived by others – because you will be judged. It’s inevitable.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Here’s a concept worth noting – general contractors and owners must make decisions concerning working with you. And listen up, this gets real – they make those decisions based on your choices.
OK, they don’t always get it right. Yes, sometimes they’re just downright wrong in making their determination. But helping to ease the situation by doing your part to make their choices lean in your favor makes sense. Instead of hoping that the GC or owner doesn’t judge a book by its cover, you can do much to make your “cover” every bit as enticing as the rest of your “book.”
As John Wesley advised, “[B]e rigorous in judging yourself.” Here is a short list of items and issues to consider:
Your vehicle
Your clothing
Your attitude
Your communication skills
Your choice of words – see Words, Choose Them Wisely (scroll down to the section titled Swear Words)
Your website
Your social media pages
Your handshake
The expression on your face
Your punctuality (or lack thereof)
Your financial records – see The Financials GCs are Looking For
You Be The Judge
We’re not talking here about your daily judgment calls concerning operations. Instead, we’re focusing on the delicate subject of judging others, you know -- people. Of course, you must judge others, or things can go sideways in a hurry.
Even in a day when it is difficult to find qualified employees, you must decide (by using your good judgment) who you’ll be handing the employee handbook to and who will be given the pink slip.
Dealing with GCs, subs, owners, clients, vendors, service providers, or that idiot who just cut you off in traffic requires you to keep calm, make informed decisions, and separate appearance from fact.
You know all the maxims:
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Beauty is only skin deep.
Appearances are deceptive.
Clothes don’t make the man.
All that glitters is not gold.
Looks can be deceiving.
Use Critical Thinking Skills
Strive to deal with the right things for the right reasons.
Consider your purpose.
Be objective.
Be curious rather than condemning.
Practice empathy.
Recognize that life is not fair.
Don’t jump to conclusions without facts.
Try to find the good in others.
Remember, everyone has a POV (Point of View.)
Judge in essential matters only. There should be no judging based on peripheral issues, gray areas, or personal opinion.
Reminder: We all have a starting point; we all have bad hair days, we all have suffered from loss, and we have all made giant, glaring mistakes.
“Endeavor to be always patient of the faults and imperfections of others; for thou hast many faults and imperfections of thine own that require forbearance. If thou art not able to make thyself that which thou wishest, how canst thou expect to mold another in conformity to thy will?” – Thomas a Kempis
In Conclusion
Do your best to present yourself in a way that allows others to judge you fairly. When judging others, be patient, kind, and thoughtful.
Ambitious Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735
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