Employee or Right-Hand Man
Employee with more to offer
Last time we looked at the problems involved with finding Loyal Employees. This time we’re going one step further and suggesting that finding a Right-Hand Man or Right-Hand Woman is paramount to developing a construction business with hutzpah.
And right up front, I will let you know, this isn’t a position for which you can advertise. “Right-Hand Man Needed” won’t fly.
Employee Right-Hand Man samples
Bill Gates – Steve Ballmer
Warren Buffett – Charlie Munger
Beethoven – Ferdinand Ries
While you’re likely to easily recognize the first names in this list, the second names are less well known. There’s a reason for that. The person who fits the role of Right-Handedness has different (yet all important) qualities than the person who runs the show.
Yet, jump over to fiction and it is unthinkable to refer to one without referencing the other.
Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson
The Lone Ranger and Tonto
Han Solo and Chewbacca
Woody and Buzz Lightyear
Smokey and the Bandit
Batman and Robin
What the writers of fiction seem to understand is the dynamic and balance of “the main guy” and the “sidekick” as a unit.
Employee or much more
Remember, I said you won’t be able to advertise your need for a Right-Hand person. Yet, there are ways you can begin to explore concerning finding the “just-right” person to fill the position. It’s tricky and there are no magic bullets, yet it can (obviously) be done.
Look close to home – family members, long-term friends, and employees are all candidates. Or, it could be a serendipitous meeting in coffee shop or at a party. Just remember the word “serendipitous” is limiting.
This is where “spreading your vision” comes into play. Who do you know who already believes in you and what you’re doing? Is there someone who has already taken initiative to assist you whether or not they work for you? Know someone who could answer the questions about your construction business with almost as much ease as you do? In short – who cares?
As a side note — we’ve found that trying to force this role on someone who doesn’t care (even if they’re family or friend) is a bad move. Fair warning.
Beyond Employee
The bond which takes place between the construction contracting business owner and the Right-Hand person is invaluable when coming to obstacles or hurdles in the path. Here are a few traits you can look for when trying to choose a person to fill the roll of number two. Someone who:
Looks for the greater good and the best outcome.
Proves to have the synergy you need.
May look as if he or she plays an insignificant roll but who is actually a change-agent.
Can generate possibilities and alternatives.
Has distinct leadership qualities.
Is capable of maintaining the conscience of the business.
Helps facilitate the values and the vision of the company.
Has a powerful work ethic.
Can aid you in maintaining focus.
Shows ambition for your business to succeed.
Is trainable and is a trainer.
Can be disagreed with and is capable of disagreeing with you. (No Yes-Men need apply.)
Holds his challenges of your thoughts or actions for private moments.
Is a is a cooperator and collaborator.
It would be nice if the person you’ve thought of as a possible contender had all the above qualities or traits.
It would also be nice if ice didn’t melt in my Coca-Cola.
So, yeah, you aren’t likely to find Mr. or Ms. Perfect, yet that shouldn’t stop you from looking for someone who is likely to help you become a better construction contractor.
When it comes down to it
Be on the lookout for someone who can aid you in multiple capacities as he or she takes over the position of Right-Hand Person.
What other traits do you think would be important for your Right-Hand Man or Woman to have in connection with the way you run your commercial construction business? Add them to the list.
The goal at Schulte and Schulte has always been to provide the best service and most up-to-date information as possible to our clients. We know we’ve hung our hats on an industry which is cyclical. Therefore, we’re determined to do everything in our power to see to it that our clients stay the course.
We hope this article (among our growing library of construction-centric informational articles) is helpful in assisting our clients to build better building businesses. Want to know more about us? Get in touch here.