The Inside Outside Guys: Who great companies hire

We often talk of the specialized skills that the labor force employed by our Team Partners maintain, but it is the people skills these companies reinforce that are the real difference makers.

It is said that construction is still a very people centric business, and the Guys agree.

While great companies use newer machines and technology, the need for people at every level is ever more important and can affect not only the quality of the project, but the perceptual success based on how a buyer feels afterward.

For example, consider that a new roof installation is technical perfection; the best materials properly applied in a timely fashion and backed by a great first-person warranty.

But as you inspect the work, you encounter a lot of job site trash including nails in the grass around the house.

The quality of the work performed is no longer as important to you as the issue of trash left by the crew.

Thus, the axiom a company is no better than its worst employee on their worst day.

So, what do the good companies do?

Companies such as Amistee in Novi use an interesting list of hiring criteria; a 10-point checklist that, according to them, takes zero talent.

That list includes such things as passion, being on-time, dependability, good work ethic, good body language, energy, being prepared and attitude.

Think about this list from the perspective of a homeowner hiring a company. Do you want the people coming into your home to demonstrate those characteristics?

Marc Kramer, who runs the operation for Kearns Brothers Roofing in Livonia, has a simple directive; we can train the technical skills needed to achieve excellence, but the people skills required must be a part of those we hire.

Commitment for growth and success, what our partners term “passion” is difficult to teach, but as an inherent trait, it is primarily responsible for the fact that most of our Team Partners promote from within. That person at your home running a crew for the installation of new siding most likely started out hauling materials and sweeping floors for the same company.

Dependability is a huge characteristic. If you commit to it, do it; whether being on time for an appointment or staying on the site after the work is complete to make sure things are clean and delivered as promised, be a person we know we can trust to follow up and follow through.

A winning attitude is not just book-speak. It is what drives people on a daily, even hourly, basis to be great. If you are picking up job-site debris, strive to be perfect at it, which may mean picking up things your crew isn’t even responsible for.

Body language is also a critical part of client interaction. Little axioms like “head up and shoulders back” can be difference makers in how you are perceived by others and in how you see the work at hand.

It is infectious. A joyful person will affect those around them in a positive manner. Look people in the eye when interacting with them. Listen actively to better understand what they are saying to you.

Conveying a positive energy is also contagious. Everyone has some days that are better than others, but a job site leader understands the “fake-it-till-you-make-it” mentality and does not allow any drama to occur on the job.

Being prepared sounds like something out of the Boy Scout manual because it is a great way to proceed with any task or day’s work. Think through the items you wish to accomplish and anticipate what you will need in terms of materials, equipment, time and assistance.

Every job goes better when it can move smoothly from beginning to end in a well planned and uninterrupted sequence. Good planning is a stress reducer for all concerned.

All these traits combine to create work ethic and great companies see this as a game changer.

It allows a business to grow people from within while they build a career, and everyone shares in the success.

These people understand that a homeowner is reluctant about any stranger coming into their house. Clients are fearful of their own potential wrong choices and need the reinforcement of confident, skilled, workers who are focused on positive outcomes.

You can find these people every day at Insideoutsideguys.com.

For more advice, listen to the Inside Outside Guys every Saturday and Sunday on AM760-WJR from 10 a.m. to noon or contact us at insideoutsideguys.com.