Construction and Dr. Seuss
Theodor Seuss Geisel, known to the world as Dr. Seuss, was a creative writer who delighted children as well as adults with his wild and wacky look at the world with a twist. This short biography will give you more insight.
“But what,” you may ask, “does Dr. Seuss have to do with Construction Contractors?”
It seems Dr. Seuss had a delightful way of passing on his observations and perceptions that get to the heart of many issues. I’ve chosen a few of his words of wisdom that match well with the issues facing construction contractors. So, put on your smile and follow along as I take you on a Seuss journey into the world of construction contracting.
Brains and feet
“With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.”
It takes thoughtful processes as well as action to make it in the construction contracting world. Discerning contractors use both their brains and their feet to get on and stay on the right path to success.
Eyes wide open
“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.”
Owning a successful construction business isn’t for the faint of heart. There are challenging and dangerous things happening every day.
And those challenging and dangerous things don’t happen only on the construction site.
Making the correct decisions, choosing the proper goals, establishing the appropriate company culture are all actions that must proceed with your eyes wide open.
Stay ahead
“Oh the things you can find, if you don’t stay behind!”
There are many new innovations coming down the track. You can’t afford to ignore them and hope you can make it through without investigating the new tools, apparatus, mechanisms, and digital offerings available to you – and your competitors. Staying behind isn’t an option.
Decisions, decisions
“Simple it’s not, I am afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.”
Having the ability to make decisions on-the-fly is imperative. But it goes deeper than that. Big, important, life changing decisions are laid at the feet of construction business owners constantly. Making up your mind on the best way to proceed isn’t easy or simple. But it is necessary.
Legacy
“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.”
Establishing a legacy of honesty, integrity, and principles takes work. And it isn’t a to-do list item. It can’t be accomplished and checked off from a simple list. Behaving well and teaching your employees to do the same is an everyday part of every day. Yes, mistakes will be made, but overcoming those mistakes is part of the process.
Honor
“I meant what I said and I said what I meant.”
Beyond being honest, there is the deep-seated notion of honoring your word – even when it hurts. Contracts, engagements, understandings, and obligations are part and parcel of being an upstanding construction subcontractor who general contractors want on their jobs.
Growth
“It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.”
While it may be adding employees, getting more jobs, or developing new departments, it may also be about becoming better at what you already do. Growth is not necessarily getting bigger. Growth may be about developing yourself and your employees to be more capable and better at achieving personal as well as business goals.
Get going!
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So . . . get on your way!”
There is never a wrong time to begin accomplishing new goals, reaching new heights, or finding new ways to get the job done. Every new day holds great promise, and it is wise to remember that. Savvy construction subcontractors know that each mountain they conquer begins with an understanding of the Great Places they’re going each and every day.
Two last Dr. Seuss observations
For the past few months, we’ve all been subjected to a roller coaster ride, which we did not intend to board. Heck, we didn’t even notice we had been in line to get on. Oh yeah, that’s because we weren’t waiting to ride. But riding, none the less, is where we found ourselves.
Therefore, we agree with Dr. Seuss’s poem titled, “How Did it Get So Late So Soon?"
“How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
Getting your act together, determining new paths, understanding the new layout of the land can feel like things got so late so soon.
We advise taking a deep breath.
Then take the next step.
Those steps vary by industry, location, and several other issues. But taking the next step is the only way to get back on the path.
And as Dr. Seuss said,
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
We desire to familiarize you with business concepts, which will make it easier for you to be a better commercial construction subcontractor through our blog posts. Some are new ways of looking at things, and others are refreshers.
The Profit Constructors Provide Contract Document Management and Advisory Board Level counsel for small to medium commercial construction subcontractors.
So you can Run With the Big Dogs! Call us 866-629-7735