Better to be on top

As the owner and operator of a thriving, vital remodeling business, I experience things that a less involved owner might not. I like to say, “It’s always better to be on top of the wave than under it.” The one sure thing about remodeling is that things change. We must inevitably make changes no matter how hard we work to ensure our bases are covered. Rather than be afraid of them or try like hell to avoid them, we have learned to buckle up and lean in. Understand that it will likely be a bumpy ride, and then celebrate the results.

Embracing Change Means

• Being able to identify areas where it is likely to occur helps to avoid being blindsided.
• I do not view changes as a failure but rather as a challenge.
• Create a company culture of running toward the tension of discomfort.
• Welcoming problems and using our process to focus on solving them without blame.
• Developing a healthy resolution with a consensus and then running it up the flagpole.
• Communicating the change to everyone concerned.

Avoiding Uncomfortable Conversations Leads to Bad Outcomes

To the extent that we under-communicate, we keep the key players out in the cold. Solving a problem without consensus, unilaterally or bilaterally, without all the players is a way to defer the confrontation to a later date.

Left unattended, problems start to decompose. Sure, it is a natural process that makes things fall apart. I see them happen all the time; hell, it occurred to me recently when a friend chose to avoid an uncomfortable conversation and not tell me the projected project cost until he was done. Fortunately, it did not derail the friendship but left us both unhappy. Lawyers love it when we go into silos and choose to throw sticks and stones at each other.

Lessons And Growth Are Painful and Valuable

Osgood-Schlatter

As a kid, I had Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, a growth spurt that provided a painful knee for a while that went away eventually. No biggie now, but at the time, it hurt. I was glad to get through it and appreciated it for what it was once my family physician figured it out. I can not count the number of times I have reflected on this early lesson, but it has served me well.

As we gain institutional knowledge, we become more robust and able to move faster and smoother. What used to trip us up does not anymore. As I share what I have learned with other business folks, I hear stories of their problem resolutions. Companies that do this well are legendary in my eyes. We have a kinship, often sharing resolutions in a one-upmanship way.

Tips &Tricks to Live By (The Stoics Perspective)

1. Assemble all of the actors or players.
2. Clearly state the problem. Share the facts objectively.
3. Look at the problem or situation from a neutral corner.
4. State the ramifications if not resolved. (The price of avoiding resolution) (The potential pain)
5. Investigate and propose solutions.
6. Rule out the outliers.
   
7. Explore options (including doing nothing)
8. Decide on the best options and agree.
9. Resolve the problem. Document the resolution.
10. Reflect, measure results, and tweak the system to extract the pearls of wisdom from learning.

The Results of Positive Change

I think I speak for everyone who has worked for someone for a day in their life and had to deal with outdated, archaic processes. Change, or let’s say evolution, has to happen. It is a natural process; in a perfect world, you get to be a part of it and fall in love with it, or, better yet, own one and become the shepherd of the process. That is what being an engaged owner means. I just ran into a young woman who worked for a company I used to own for two years and never met the new owner—tragic, IMHO. Small business is like a beehive of activity if done correctly. It is a what I sacrificed for, It is my responsibility to the company I created and love. All of the beautiful milestones I reflect upon are a result of this process.

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261

If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.