Unlocking the Secrets of Construction Champions
In the ever-evolving world of construction, the true champions are those who set their standards higher than those around them. Jim Tracy, a seasoned industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, shares his insights on what it takes to become a construction champion.
The Hallmarks of a Construction Champion
According to Jim, a construction champion is someone who consistently raises the bar, not just for themselves, but for everyone on their team. They have an unwavering commitment to excellence, and they inspire those around them to reach new heights.
"A construction champion is someone who sets their standards higher than those around them. That's what makes a champion. If you think about the GOATs, whether it be football, baseball, golf, whatever, their standards are higher than the people that they surround themselves with, and that lifts everybody up."
Leading by Example
Jim emphasizes that true champions don't just demand high standards from their team; they embody those standards themselves. By leading by example, they earn the respect and trust of their employees, who are then more willing to go the extra mile.
"When you want people to do stuff at a high level, you better be damn willing to do it at a higher level than what you're asking. You don't get a lot of backlash, especially if you touch it."
Fostering a Culture of Excellence
Creating a culture of excellence in the construction industry can be a challenging task, but Jim has some valuable insights to share. He stresses the importance of physically going out to job sites, engaging with the team, and demonstrating the expected safety practices.
"When I did surprise inspections, I was actually the guy who went out there and said, 'Hey, this is why it's important.' And then when you take the time to do that, all of a sudden, you don't have their ears anymore. Now you got their hearts because they see you."
Embracing Generational Differences
As the construction industry evolves, Jim recognizes the need to adapt to the changing workforce. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating with different generations, from the "old dudes" to the millennials and beyond.
"Let's start by listening. And so we talk about generous listening and relationships and respect. Now those weren't part of the equation when I came up in the industry because I had some old dude beating on me. But if I beat on people, now you know what happens, I have an empty job site."
The Power of Loyalty and Trust
Jim has witnessed firsthand the power of loyalty and trust in the construction industry. By creating an environment where employees feel valued and cared for, he has been able to retain top talent for decades.
"We've had people work for us for 25 years. 20 now, 20 plus years because we've only been around for 24. But we've had people work for us for a long time, and people out in the marketplace, they would say, 'How did you do that?' Well, I could give you the $24 psychological reason why it's imperative, but I broke it down to one thing: the people who worked for us, they know that I love them."
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Becoming a Construction Champion
By embracing the principles of high standards, leading by example, fostering a culture of excellence, and building trust and loyalty, construction professionals can unlock the secrets to becoming true champions in their industry. As Jim eloquently states, "When you make those little corrections, your people respond like, 'Oh, well, that's cool.' But if you make big corrections, they go, 'Oh, that's change. I don't like that, man.'"
Becoming a Construction Champion: Lessons from an Industry Veteran
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