In January’s “Tailgate Talk” column Pinnacle Development Group’s Brad Humphrey offers a few of the tips from his Pavement LIVE seminar, “Putting Fun Back into your Contracting Life.” Here are a couple more of Brad’s suggestions:
Celebrate Anniversaries & Birthdays
Adding another ripple to the celebration theme, make a big deal out of years of service anniversaries of your workers, and their birthdays. I’ve found that many construction workers, especially the laborers, will often play down their own starting dates and their birthdays — but deep down they love the attention.
If you’re not a construction owner or leader who looks forward to getting older don’t let that stop you from celebrating the same for your workers. You might find that celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, with the traditional cake and ice cream (and don’t be afraid to add those party hats and whistles!) might just create some pretty funny moments for your company. Be sure to take pictures and hang them up in the office for more good laughs!
Take Your Workers Paint Balling, Bowling or Laser-Tag
OK, so this costs a little money — but it’s fun! Getting reconnected to your employees can be really easy by just putting everyone into a situation where there are bound to be some “Kodak Moments” created. This effort not only allows everyone to let off a little steam and stress, it reminds you of how special your workers are. Take your company out for Paint Ball and just try to keep from smiling and laughing. Remember, have a lot of disposable cameras around to remember those “great” moments.
Can't get enough of Brad?
Subscribe to Brad Humphrey's weekly e-newsletter that informs contractors of ways to improve the management and operation of their business. Contractors can also attend his seminars at National Pavement Expo taking place Feb. 15-18 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. His seminars include "The Making of a New Construction Leader," "Selling by Profile: The Key to More Work and Building Relationships" and "Retaking Your Market: The Challenge for 2012." The two 90-minute sessions include "How to Measure Your Performance & Productivity" and "How New Technologies & 'Right Brain' Thinking Will Change Your Construction Company."
