For all the fun and relaxing times that I had at the Expo, the weeks that have followed have been quite a reminder in juggling life's complications. I had to resolve some employee issues that resulted in firing and hiring new help within a 24-hour period. I am generally not a hotheaded guy, but I've learned that when someone crosses the boundary of employment with considerable disrespect that you have to handle it quickly or it will continue to resurface.
For all the fun and relaxing times that I had at the Expo, the weeks that have followed have been quite a reminder in juggling life's complications. I had to resolve some employee issues that resulted in firing and hiring new help within a 24-hour period. I am generally not a hotheaded guy, but I've learned that when someone crosses the boundary of employment with considerable disrespect that you have to handle it quickly or it will continue to resurface.
As contractors a lot of what seems to draw us to this business is the idea of pleasing both our ego with our workmanship and other people, particularly customers. The difficult side is that we tend to sometimes be too easy-going. This can hurt you when you have employees who take advantage of you or they become prima donnas. In my case, I had a great employee who eventually turned into a prima donna and continued to complain about all of the smallest issues, what he wasn't getting, and how unfairly I was treating him. I felt like I was working on making him happy more than the business. In the weeks that have passed I now feel a lot happier and more relaxed because the crew is now composed of very resourceful employees.
Skills in this business are essential to survive, but I can teach those at anytime to an employee. I would rather have an upbeat and resourceful person who comes in a little green who I can continue to shape into our company procedures. As anyone who has employees knows, this business is loaded with guys who are 20-year veteran know it alls, who wouldn't listen to anything you told them because it means they might have to change their habits. As times are changing, I've noticed that these people continue to sit on the sidelines without a job because their attitude and ego are more important than shutting their mouth and opening their ears.
I know for sure that in my area of the country that the market is turning around and the best customers are still out there in need of good quality service. For all of the honorable and upright contractors who read this, I really hope that your business is on the rise this year. When you decide to hire help, I would only advise you to always be aware that you are the captain of your business and that hiring and firing is a really big piece of the puzzle in this business. Being firm and yet easy-going is a hard trait to acquire; yet, I think you'll find it essential unless you want your business to drive you crazy.
