Valuing the Heart of Your Business: The Bedrock for Success

Are you currently navigating a challenging phase in your career? Perhaps you’re wrestling with maintaining a stable cash flow or feeling the weight of what appears to be an enduring struggle. A common issue shared by many in our industry is the constant struggle to build and keep a dedicated, dependable team. While we won’t be delving into cash flow strategies or collection methods in this discussion, you’ll certainly find valuable insights worth considering. 

As time unfolds, a discernible pattern becomes evident. Our industry doesn’t suffer from a shortage of personnel; what it truly lacks is trained professionals. In many ways, it’s an industry that draws in individuals by chance. Consider this: prior to embarking on this career, almost no one envisioned themselves in the restoration field. It’s not taught in schools, nor do parents typically encourage their children to roll up their sleeves for tasks involving fire, water, mold, or trauma cleanup. It’s a relatively new field when compared to the medical profession.The more we immerse ourselves in this field, the more we come to appreciate the significant role played by our blue-collar workers, whose contributions often go unnoticed. The nature of our work, often overlooked, generates unique challenges, as we are often the first responders to emergencies.

If you’re a blue-collar worker, or once were, you’ve probably encountered the undervaluation feeling among colleagues, bosses, customers, and in terms of career prospects. But, let me assure you, you are not alone in this. Even giants in this industry, such as David Oaks, Ken Larsen, R. David Sweet, Kris Rzesnoski, to name a few, and those who advocate for it have walked in your shoes. One common feeling among blue-collar workers is the concern about whether they’ll have a future or if they should venture out on their own.

Let’s journey back to the past for a moment

Remember when COVID was novel, and alarm bells rang across the states? It felt like something straight out of an exaggerated movie script. However, a somewhat new type of service emerged from that crisis. Reflect on this: during that time, we only understood the potential consequences of the virus, which struck fear into the hearts of many. Despite the harrowing events, there was no shortage of individuals ready to provide sanitation services. Consider this: was there a labor shortage in this industry? or was it across every other trade and business? As a wave of sanitizing companies (COVID cleaners) emerged to combat this novel virus, it attracted individuals already in the industry, including word of quick income potential.

However, only those with a level of education truly grasped the risks associated with using equipment or disinfectants that others didn’t fully understand. Some folks were in a tight spot, needing funds to support their families, while others were out to make a quick buck because they saw an opportunity to earn more money off the books. But here’s the bottom line—this industry didn’t suffer a genuine labor shortage. You could say “there was a shortage on my team at the company during that time.” Let’s pause on that for a moment as I hope to explain as you read.

During that period, we direly needed blue-collar workers (essential workers). Nevertheless, as time progressed and normalcy gradually returned, our essential workers were no longer regarded as essential.

So, where am I going with all of this? Often, we complain about everything, including dreams, ideas, trust, and decisions that fall short. “Failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day,” as Jim Rohn wisely put it.

If you find yourself getting upset while reading this, remember that we all have a responsibility to uphold. As a business owner, you’ve taken significant risks to open your business, with people to take care of. I’ve always looked at a business similar to a spouse bearing your child—Like many parents, in my example fathers, a profound commitment to ensuring their children and spouse well-being kicks in. While your team isn’t your child, viewing it as such helps anticipate certain issues. Each time you solely focus on a problem, it narrows your perspective. This can lead to a team feeling unappreciated and the onset of problems. The key is to focus on

self-improvement, rather than just rushing to get the job done quickly. “What you become is far more important than what you get,” as Jim Rohn emphasized.

Encourage this mindset, much like you would for your own child.

The Onset of a Negative Mindset

Individuals often start with tremendous effort to excel and impress their superiors and peers. Sometimes, they perform so well that their efforts go unnoticed for an extended period.

However, after navigating through challenges for a while, doubts arise. Such as, ‘I’m not receiving recognition, so why should I strain myself?’ ‘If no one tells me I’m doing it wrong, this must be the right way then.’ ‘I’ve been doing this for over a year, and my pay remains the same, or worse, the newcomer earns more than me!’ ‘I have no time for my family, and safety conditions are deteriorating daily.’

These are just a few of the experiences blue-collar workers go through, but they often keep these concerns to themselves. How can we expect individuals to grow without an educational plan? How can we expect them to stay when they struggle financially and go unrecognized? How can we expect change if we don’t change ourselves? Even worse, individuals may come to believe they’re doing things correctly and eventually drift away with a similar business, unintentionally hurting others. Does it sound like it’s happening?

As a restoration industry, we focus heavily on profit and loss, relationships with stakeholders, insurance challenges, and the technical aspects. Yet, we often neglect our teams, the vital “children” in our business endeavors. “The greatest value of the past is how wisely we invest it in the future. Let the past be a servant for making the future both more enjoyable and profitable,” – John Rohn.

Are you beginning to see a pattern or a picture? All too often, we repeat the same old stories, and it’s not to undermine the other aspects of the business. This plays a crucial role in the industry and in your business—our blue-collar workers. They are absolutely vital to the success of the business and colleagues ; however, they cannot do it alone. Just as your children cannot strive and succeed in life without your help.

Navigating Work Challenges: The O.O.D.A Loop Approach

Sometimes blue-collar workers may need help in capturing and improving things in our line of work. One thing you may use is called the O.O.D.A loop. (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is what the acronym stands for. This method is used in the military to quickly make decisions for problems with only limited information available under constant pressure; it’s a loop for a reason.

Here is how you can apply it:

• Observe your current problem, like turnover rate.
• Orient to where you want it to be; for example, reducing quitting.
• With the limited information available, Decide what steps you will take. This could include offering bonuses, more days off, or simply making time to talk to the entire team.
• Once you’ve decided, take Action. For instance, if you make time to sit down with the team, you will likely gather more information about the turnover rate straight from them.

Repeat the process until you’ve reached your desired outcome!

This approach has helped me throughout my career, especially during those difficult moments in my personal life. Give it a try, and you may find a solution to your current problem. Now, you might wonder why it’s your responsibility. Well, it’s not entirely yours, but if you can uplift others—I personally prefer the term ‘leaders’ over ‘managers’ (even though you need both)—you will make a positive impact.

Let’s return to my view of the business as your spouse and the team as your children. Your oldest child will, in short terms, be the wisest among the rest. You can entrust them with responsibilities to protect or somewhat care for their younger siblings in your absence. If you can see your team in a similar way it will elevate some of the adversities, —anticipate issues. After all, all kids will have their disagreements at some point.

Hopefully, this answers the question I mentioned above about ‘there was a shortage on my team at the company during that time.’ I believe it is crucial to give credit and remind our blue-collar workers how important they are to you and the company. Whether you’re currently an employee or planning to transition to an employer, it’s essential to understand the challenges blue-collar workers face and appreciate the valuable contributions they make in this industry.