Where Next?

Whenever we make progress on a project, whether in business or life, it is natural to stop, look over our success and maybe even take a victory lap. Those are all good and necessary, as long as the rest is short. There is always more to do.

We are in a highly seasonal industry, and time is short during the busy months - often too short to focus on special projects. However, our slower season is normally about 7 months long (unfortunately!) It is during the slower season when we must be working on projects to make us better in the next busy season. Every effective manager accumulates a list of “slow time” projects and eagerly attacks those projects as soon as time allows. How long is your list?

Every project requires a plan, and every plan contains the same elements: What is the goal, what are the obstacles to be overcome and what are the action steps? One additional consideration is, “Who is going to perform the tasks to accomplish the desired outcome?”

In our company we often make use of employees from one division to perform slow time projects for another division. Although we have excellent employees in all divisions, we must be careful to match skillsets up with tasks. An excellent technician may be a very poor file clerk. A lead installer may consider it demeaning to remove decals on an old van.

It makes sense to think about who can best do what you need done before randomly assigning unfamiliar tasks. The outdated idea that since we are paying employees, they must do anything we ask is flawed on several fronts. Remember, you want the best result on your project. Choosing the best person to help can save time and produce a superior outcome.

As a leader it is up to you to be prepared to accept help whenever it is presented. This means not only must you have a project list, you must be ready to explain the project to someone who is likely operating outside his wheelhouse. The better your explanation, the better the outcome. If your project is more complicated or requires multiple steps you may need to write the instructions down. Waiting until the last minute to prepare is one of the surest ways to fail.

I have always found that the best way to identify future projects is to ask myself, “Six months from now what will I wish I had already done?” Most of us are consumed by our daily activities but this simple exercise forces you to look ahead. It is rare that I don’t come up with multiple projects when I ask this question of myself.

Before closing this post, it is necessary to mention the need for efficiency during project work. Under normal circumstances only one or two people should be assigned to work on any project. There is a strong tendency for employees to view special projects as busy work and to spend more time fooling around than working. Obviously, some employees are better at certain tasks than others and it is in everyone’s best interests to pay attention to that. You should never tolerate bad attitudes or lazy work habits on your projects.

One final note; it is up to the employee’s manager to keep his employees in line. The company guarantees 35 hours to employees who are willing to work. Those who are not willing to be productive - regardless of the task - are not eligible for the guarantee.

The slow time is at hand. Are you ready?