Foreman/Superviser, Pride Drywall
a commercial drywall company
Burleson , Texas
What is the secret to managing and leading people, customers, clients, and employees?
I think the secret to managing people, whether clients or employees, is letting both know their importance to you and your business. Without clients, there is no need for employees. Without employees, there would be no clients.
What strategy do you implement to properly motivate people?
The strategy I try to use to motivate employees is to show them I’m willing to do anything that I ask them to do. No matter what my position, I am willing to work side-by-side with them to accomplish a common good; to make the customer happy.
In your eyes, is there a tactic that can be used to improve employee retention or is it relative to the business?
Yes, the key to employee retention is to treat employees as you would want to be treated as an employee. Let them know they are important to you and your company. The employer/employee relationship is a two-way street. My employees know they can come to me, and I will help them in any way I am able. They also know that I expect the same from them, whether it be meeting a deadline or cutting costs.
What do you attribute for your success?
I attribute many things to my success. One is being acquainted with my profession from a young age. Another is having the chance to work with some great tradesmen in my field. The greatest contributor to my success; however, is my dad (who is also my boss). He taught me that determination and hard work really will get you far in any field. He taught me this by example. He also taught me that if I use my head and think situations through, I would always find the solution. The most important thing he taught me is that the world doesn’t owe me and won’t give me anything. If you want something, you have to go get it; you have to earn it.
When it comes to strategy, can you identify the decision path you follow when deciding what is best for the organization? My strategy is to find each employee’s strengths and utilize them. Always encourage teamwork and promote pride in accomplishments. Pride is a great motivator of men. Encourage them to take pride in a job well done or in certain talents that are unique to them. These things lead to productive employees, which is good for my company.
When it comes to customers, do you take on all that needs your assistance or do you pick and choose those that provide mutual benefit (profit, etc.)?
No job is too small. If you only take on clients that can provide a mutual benefit all of the time, you could possibly miss out on great future projects. Service speaks volumes. If you have an extremely high level of service, clients remember that above almost all else. Say you have a client with a project who really needs your help. You know you might break even at best if you take it. But they’ll remember the favor…That’s what builds strong business relationships.
What has been the greatest challenge in your career, and how did you overcome this?
I think the greatest challenge in my career has been the fact that I am a young man in a management position. When you’re half as old as someone that is working under you, but you have twice the know-how and experience, then you really have to work hard to earn their respect. The same goes for clients who ride you a little harder or have little confidence in your abilities until they see for themselves what you’re capable of.
What additional piece of advice would you offer to young professionals embarking on a management position?
Stand your ground. Have faith and confidence in your abilities. Work hard, expect and demand hard work from those under you, but be fair as well. Be stern but sensitive to the needs of employees. Let them feel they work with you, not just for you and they will do anything to please you.
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