This is how I really feel about contractors

Guys typically aren’t good with emotions. And if you know me well, I’m 100% stereotypical guy, with all the faults that brings along. I don’t communicate very well sometimes, even though I make a living in two different professions that rely on good communication. Like most people, I have a hard time opening up and being vulnerable. And to be honest, I’ve seen where this has hurt my relationships with others.

I have trouble telling people how I really feel, and strangely, it’s harder when the good things need to be said. That sounds backward, right?   

Sometimes our mouths get us in trouble and there are plenty of things best left unsaid. Some people struggle more than others, but usually in the heat of the moment, we’re all susceptible to letting words slip out that we don’t really mean and quickly regret. I don’t normally just spout off whatever I’m thinking, so don’t picture me as the guy yelling obscenities with his middle finger in the air during traffic jams. No, I’m usually the guy that just sits and grits my teeth. Thank God for inner monologues and quick eye rolls because they’ve probably kept me from many beatings from people who would have been upset if they knew what I was really thinking.

But I’m not talking about venting rage or speaking out in anger. I’m talking about opening our mouths and letting people around us know about the good things we think about them but rarely say. Things like good work, thank you and I appreciate you. 

So many things can be interpreted from a situation where nothing is said; sometimes that’s good and sometimes it isn’t. Employees think they’re doing a good job, but if the boss stays silent, they’re never really sure. Husbands and wives have made a commitment to love each other, but if it’s never spoken or shown, doubts creep in. Over the next few weeks, as we gather around our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables with family, we’ll talk about football, food and the year in review, but how many of us will tell our families how much we need them, love them and appreciate them? We hope they already know, but would it hurt to tell them just to make sure?

Dale Carnegie wrote a book in 1936 that changed society for many years to come. That book was called How to Win Friends and Influence People. In that book, he had some very simple advice, “Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise.” I don’t know if you’re looking to make more friends or become more influential over them, but the message here is simple. It could’ve had an alternate title of Motivation 101. People respond to those, especially in a leadership position, who are encouraging and appreciative, and we all need a little lift from time to time. Take every opportunity you can to build others up, praising even the slightest improvements and victories in their lives. It not only shows that you notice, but it shows that you care. And sadly, because we all get so consumed in our own lives, we forget to do this very often.

People in the business world are the worst offenders. As an owner of a contracting company, two main groups of people are directly responsible for your livelihood: your staff and your customers. But many owners fall into the trap of thinking their employees are “thanked enough just by a paycheck.” I’ve heard that phrase far too many times, and with good help being so hard to find in this industry, you might want to rethink your position.

A paycheck is great, and hopefully all your staff members are earning their salaries, but you’d be SHOCKED at how much more people are willing to do when their motivation is more than just dollar signs. People who feel appreciated by you and are included as a PART of their company rather than just an employee of it, will go further, do more and go the extra mile more often. Guaranteed.    

I would attribute it if I knew who said it, but remember this quote, "People who feel appreciated will always do more than expected." If you find ways to use that concept in your business, it'll revolutionize how you're perceived and boost your returns exponentially.

And this doesn't just apply to your employees. An investment in showing your customers appreciation is very rarely a bad move either. Loyalty discounts, member benefits and just good old fashioned THANK YOU messages should be regular parts of your marketing. Remember, your customers chose you over other options, and if they feel like you couldn't care less, next time they'll make a different choice.

This is the season of thankfulness, remembrance and giving. Don't be guilty of missing chances to tell those who you owe so much to how important they are.

And I'm taking my chance as well. I work with contractors across the country every single day, and I want to tell you all how much I appreciate the often dirty and thankless work you do. Because of you, the country keeps operating comfortably, with the luxury of indoor plumbing and the lights on to see it all. Others on Wall Street or Silicon Valley might get much of the credit, but it's the blue-collar men and women of the contracting industries that really make the world turn.

So, thank you and stay encouraged. You really are making a difference and you aren't told that near enough.