Question:
Mark from Alabama writes: “How do you get workers more involved on the jobsite? It feels like some of my crew are just going through the motions. They show up, do the work, and leave. Any suggestions?”
Answer:
Hi Mark. I love the question because it’s an important one. What you’re referring to is engagement—and when we talk about engagement, a single, immutable equation hangs over your ability to lead:
Thoughtful Leader
+ Engaged Workers
= More productivity with less BS.
It’s a powerful equation because it speaks to an inherent truth: Engaged workers care more.
They think about those who follow in the schedule.
They’re more likely to help solve problems before you know about them—even problems they didn’t cause or ones that don’t directly affect them.
Surely you know workers who fit this description.
But you don’t know enough of them.
And why is that?
Well, it’s not them.
It’s you.
You, as a construction leader, can intentionally increase the engagement of those around you.
How?
Here are 3 ways
| UNO :: Purpose Imagine you show up for your first day on a new project. The Superintendent meets with you and the rest of your drywall crew. Here’s what he says: Scenario A “Oye, listen up. Here’s the deal: You gotta show up on time and hang a minimum of 36 sheets of drywall every hour. Lift with your legs and don’t miss the studs with the screws. Apply the glue right before you hang the board, not 20 minutes before. Clean up after yourself or you’ll be fired. Now, be safe out there. Got it? Okay. Get to work.” Scenario B “Just wanted to take a quick moment to welcome you to the future Trinity School. This school will help develop over 1,000 young adults every year—100 of which are special-needs students who need a quality environment to learn. Our goal is to build a school worthy of our own children. Your work is critical here. The quality of the drywall and paint determines the level of craftsmanship perceived by the owners of the project. We appreciate your craftsmanship and expertise in making this school a great place to learn. Now, let’s discuss the risks you’ll face out here so we ensure you’ll go home to your kids safely this afternoon.” Under which set of directions would you work harder? Right. Workers want more than just a job—they want a place where they can make a difference. Construction managers often fail to articulate the true purpose for English-speakers, let alone Spanish-speakers. Your purpose should be short, sweet, and direct: 150 words or less. DOS :: Autonomy Autonomy is epitomized by the advice of former 3M CEO William McKnight: Hire good people and leave them alone. Requesting input from your workers is a form of appreciation for their skills and intelligence. Ask the team how you can make their job easier, use less material, or simplify the design for future work. After all, who knows more about roofing—you or your roofer? Outline the goals and ask the roofers how they can best achieve it. You’ll be surprised by what you hear. For Spanish-speakers, this is especially true. The language barrier—real or perceived—often results in zero comunicación. Find the bilingual roofer and schedule a brief Q&A during break one day to pick their brains. This rarely (if ever) happens, so be prepared to stand out for thinking differently. TRES :: Care Say ¿Qué tal? on your morning rounds. (kay TAHL) How are you? Say ¡Excelente! when you see great work. (ayk-say-LAYN-tay) Excellent Say Porfa when requesting work be done. (POHR-fah) Please Say Gracias when you see your life getting easier. (GRAH-see-ahs) Thank you. Or maybe just start with a smile to acknowledge their existence. Caring about your workers doesn’t require a big budget . . . or any budget at all. It does require you to budget your timethough: Caring takes more time. Going out of your way to appreciate your workers isn’t hard, but it’s certainly not easy to manage consistently. That’s why most managers don’t do it. |
| Manage things. Lead people. Developing engaged workers expands your leadership and reduces your management. You + Engaged Workers = More productivity with less BS. So be selfish. Think about other people. |
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