Be Specific About Problems

The business of construction is filled with constant problems.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

It’s not that great contractors don’t have problems, it’s that great contractors have learned how to troubleshoot first, which allows them to learn from their problems faster.  

Book: Principles by Ray Dalio. Be very specific about problems; don't start with generalizations. Avoid the anonymous "we" and "they," because they mask personal responsibility.

Ray Dalio spends a lot of time in his book “Principles - Life and Work,” describing how to make the machine (company) work better. 

  • Be very specific when identifying and then troubleshooting the problem. Generalities can’t be fixed. 
  • Keep digging until you get down to the root cause of the problem. Don’t stop when you get to the first few, seemingly obvious, answers. These are likely just proximate or contributing causes.   
  • Limit complaining. Limit blaming. Focus on solutions.   
  • Don’t worry about people being uncomfortable with the process. Nothing worth achieving in life is ever comfortable.  

How effective are your project teams at identifying problems and then putting improvements in place across the company that will help you grow sustainably?


Change Orders
Change orders are a fact of life in construction. Improve profitability, cash flow and customer satisfaction by effectively managing changes. Build a foundation for success with 12 steps to improve pricing and 11 negotiating strategies for the whole project team....

Related Training
Change Orders
Change orders are a fact of life in construction. Improve profitability, cash flow and customer satisfaction by effectively managing changes. Build a foundation for success with 12 steps to improve pricing and 11 negotiating strategies for the whole project team....

Sharpening Your Thinking Through Writing
Contractors can learn many lessons from the leadership principles of Hyman G. Rickover who is considered the “Father of the Nuclear Navy” including safety, engineering, talent, management, schedules and quality control.
Two Critical Things Every Business Must Do
The business of construction is both challenging and exciting, with days full of risks and rewards. Jack Stack calls it “The Great Game of Business,” where he describes how to create a culture of ownership.
Be Specific About Problems
The business of construction is filled with constant problems. It’s not that great contractors don’t have problems, it's that great contractors have learned how to troubleshoot first, which allows them to learn from their problems faster.