The Contractor Motivator 3000
Posted on March 20, 2007 - Filed Under Philosophy |
Today’s Topic: Managing contractors or herding cats
The last management book I read: "Who moved my Cheese?". Now there is "The iceberg is melting". Back in my college days, the book was "Dinosaur Brains". Each one of these books deals with one central topic: management techniques.
None of them are worth the paper they’re written on.
Why?
I’m glad you asked.
None of these books addresses the key question: How does one change their core ethic belief system? No "managerial style" can change the work ethic. The individual must change their own believe system.
All contractors understand one simple fact: There is plenty of work out there to be done. If the contractor disappears in the middle of a job, they probably already have another job lined up.
There is no personal accountability. Because of this lack, the words "good work ethic" do not exist in their vocabulary. They don’t answer to anyone and they certainly don’t answer to themselves. This, in turn, generates a complete lack of self-interest to ensure that their work gets completed.
If you’re crying out "Yeah but Clifford, what can we do to stop this?!?"
I personally would like to attach a dog collar device to the contractor’s neck. Using a remote control, the collar shocks motivates the slacking contractor. The Contractor Motivator 3000.
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"You want to take a break?" BZZZT!! |
Click to enlarge |
Operators are standing by.
Maybe the Pharaoh’s had the right idea, cracking whips and all. But alas, there is probably some law against the cruelty of people so let’s toss that to the side.
Until the laws are changed, there are several options for containing this problem.
First and foremost, find a contractor who has a good work ethic. If you’re in the Southern California area, please feel free to contact WonderWoman. She’s great.
Second, break the payment up into thirds. One third up front, the second third at the half-way mark, and the other third on completion. This option would at least minimize your risk if the contractor ran off.
Third, ask for references. If the contractor hesitates, bid them farewell and call the next one. If they can’t provide glowing recommendations, odds are you won’t provide one either if you hire them. Add to that: call the Better Business Bureau.
Two things I would never do:
First, pay them upfront for the job. You’ll never see them again.
Second, pay them by the hour. It will take them an hour to pound a nail into a board.
If you liked that post, then try these...
The Dream Tenant on September 11th, 2006
When I first started out, scores of people told me that dealing with tenants would eventually kill me.
Back to the model on April 23rd, 2007
Mentor: Can I be honest with you?Clifford: Always.
Comments
3 Responses to “The Contractor Motivator 3000”
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Legally, a contractor can only ask for no more than 10% of a job up front. That is usually for materials to get the job started.
A good contractor will bill either after each phase is done, or after each week is done, depending on the scope of the job.
You should also get a written estimate before the work is done, but remember it IS an estimate. If there are no surprises, nor any scope creep, then it should be close to the final bill.
You can also check out CA licensed contractors at http://www.cslb.ca.gov. I’m sure each state has something similar.
That being said, in all my years in Corporate America, I saw my fair share of managers, workmates and support staff whose work ethic left a LOT to be desired.
Arriving late, leaving early, extended lunch hours, abuse of sick time, poor quality of work, etc…
Not to mention those under performers that are promoted up and out to get rid of them, instead of promoting them right out the door.
I guess the secret of good management that should be the title of every cheese, iceberg, dinosaur book, is pay attention to who you are hiring…
Excuse me, but what the best finance knowledge base you know?
What you’ll recommend me?
I don’t understand what you mean by “finance knowledge base”. What are you looking for?