ForConstructionPros.com

Seldom does a contractor take the time to really assess how he or she is personally performing. Between setting direction, fighting for more capital from a banker or just making sure you can field a full crew, it is easy to overlook the person in your company who perhaps should be held to the highest standards - you!

There is a plethora of employee performance evaluation products available in the market; you should find one that fits your firm's level of expertise and sophistication. Your workers need to have at least an annual performance review. It's not only good business, but it also allows the contractor to hold personal meetings to point out how employees need to improve or where they are performing well.

While there may be an abundance of performance review approaches for employees, there are not as many reviews contractors and owners can use to assess their own effectiveness. That's why I developed a "Contractor's Performance Review," or CPR. Let me share with you the five areas that make up the heart of the assessment.

1. Leadership
How well do you energize and inspire the people in your company? Construction is a long season; therefore, keeping your people "up" can be challenging to say the least. Are you reinforcing your firm's vision, missions, values, goals and work culture?

2. Company growth
This is related strongly to the strategies you have for the future development and growth of your company. Do you have a strategic plan? What about a business development plan? Are you following the plans? Are you seeing results from the efforts you put forth?